The Houston Rockets face the New York Knicks on Saturday, February 21, at Madison Sq. Backyard in a matchup between two top-four groups of their respective conferences.
Houston enters at 34-21, fourth within the Western Convention, whereas New York sits 36-21, third within the East and 22-7 at residence.
The Rockets shall be with out veteran guard Fred VanVleet, who stays out following proper knee ACL restore. Houston can also be with out Steven Adams after left ankle surgical procedure. Two-way participant Tristen Newton can also be out.
Alperen Sengun has been a focus of the offense, posting 20.5 factors, 9.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per sport. Kevin Durant leads the Rockets in scoring at 26.0 factors per sport whereas capturing 51.0% from the sector and 40.4% from three.
Jabari Smith Jr. provides 15.2 factors and seven.1 rebounds, giving Houston spacing on the energy ahead place.
New York’s most vital harm is Miles McBride, who’s out following core muscle surgical procedure. McBride averaged 12.9 factors and shot 42.0% from past the arc.
A number of Knicks gamers are listed as questionable as a consequence of G League assignments or two-way standing, together with Pacome Dadiet, Trey Jemison III, Dillon Jones, Tyler Kolek and Kevin McCullar Jr.
The core rotation stays intact for New York.
Jalen Brunson is averaging 27.1 factors and 6.1 assists whereas capturing 37.5% from three. Karl-Anthny Cities is producing 19.8 factors and 11.9 rebounds, giving the Knicks a constant inside presence. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby mix for 32.2 factors per sport.
Houston gained its final sport 105-101 on the street in opposition to Charlotte, whereas New York is coming off a 126-111 residence loss to Detroit.