The at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2026. Both teams are near the top of their conferences and are coming off the All-Star break.
There are only a few injuries on either side, but they affect rotation depth.
Most of the main players are available, so both teams are close to full strength.
Houston Rockets injury report and roster availability vs New York Knicks (February 21, 2026)
Houston is missing a few players but has its main rotation available.
Out (will not play):
• Steven Adams (C) – Out for the season after left ankle surgery
• Fred VanVleet (PG) – Out for the season with an ACL injury
• Tristen Newton (PG) – Out due to G-League assignment
Available / not listed:
• Alperen Sengun
• Jabari Smith Jr.
• Tari Eason
• Reed Sheppard
• Amen Thompson
Dorian Finney-Smith, Josh Okogie, Aaron Holiday, JD Davison, Jeff Green, and Kevin Durant are not on the current roster.
Houston is thin at center without Adams. Sengun handles most of the minutes inside, with support from Smith and Eason. The guard group is still stable.
New York Knicks injury report and roster availability vs Houston Rockets (February 21, 2026)
New York has one player out but keeps its core intact.
Out (will not play):
• Miles McBride (PG/SG) – Recovering from core-muscle surgery
Available / not listed:
• Jalen Brunson
• OG Anunoby
• Mikal Bridges
• Josh Hart
• Karl-Anthony Towns
• Jordan Clarkson
• Landry Shamet
• Mitchell Robinson
• Ariel Hukporti
• Pacome Dadiet
• Tyler Kolek
The starting lineup is unchanged.
Houston Rockets vs New York Knicks Head-to-head record and recent meetings
|
Category |
Record |
|
All-time regular season |
Knicks 79 – Rockets 76 |
|
Last 3 seasons |
2-2 |
|
2025-26 season series |
Two games |
Recent games between these teams have been close.
Houston Rockets vs New York Knicks Team stats before the matchup
Houston Rockets
|
Stat |
Value |
|
Record |
34-20 |
|
Conference rank |
4th West |
|
Points per game |
~114. 5 |
|
Points allowed |
~109. 5 |
|
Net rating |
~+5. 0 |
|
Rebounding |
Top-5 |
|
Turnovers |
Top-10 (low rate) |
Houston runs a lot through Sengun in the post. Smith provides spacing. The team defends well and switches often.
New York Knicks
|
Stat |
Value |
|
Record |
35–21 |
|
Conference rank |
3rd East |
|
Points per game |
~113–114 |
|
Points allowed |
~112. 1 |
|
Opponent FG% |
Under 46% |
New York plays at a slower pace. Brunson controls the offense. Bridges and Anunoby handle key defensive assignments.
Houston Rockets vs New York Knicks Matchup notes
Sengun and Towns will be central to this game. Both can score and pass, so help defense will matter. New York has more size with Robinson available.
On the perimeter, the Knicks have strong defenders in Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, and Hart. Houston uses multiple wings and guards who can switch.
Sengun’s passing and Brunson’s late scoring are key areas to watch.
Both teams are in similar form. The Knicks have their main group available. The Rockets are without VanVleet and Adams but still have most of their rotation.
This game should be close. Execution late in the game will decide it.
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