The Knicks, without OG Anunoby, host the upstart Rockets tonight at the Garden.
Shake off those Monday blues, folks, the New York Knicks (32-17) are playing tonight at MSG! For the second and final time this season, they’ll take on the Houston Rockets (32-16). The first try didn’t work out so well; this one should have a much nicer result.
The last game between the two teams came on November 4, 2024, when the Rockets won 109-97 at home. Center Alperen Şengün led Houston with 25 points and 14 rebounds, while the Knicks shot only 39.6% from the field. Houston’s strong defense in the second half, where they held the Knicks to 41 points, helped to secure their victory.
Coach Ime Udoka has his young crew playing top-shelf defense, with the league’s fourth-best defensive rating and the fifth-fewest points surrendered per game. His club sits third in the left conference, but can struggle at times on offense. Houston takes far more shots inside the arc than out, and they rank in the bottom tier for field-goal and three point percentages. They make their bones on defense and rebounding, sitting atop the league with 47.9 boards per game. Sharpen up your elbows, Knickerbockers!
Gotham’s greatest are coming off a LeBron-inflicted loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, which snapped a five-game win streak. Adding to tonight’s list of concerns, the Knicks will be down at least one wing, with OG Anunoby scratched due to an ankle sprain, and Josh Hart is a game-time decision with knee soreness.
The Rockets have won six of their last ten tries, but have dropped two straight, to the Grizzlies and Nets. Houston’s Şengün–so good in their last game against the Knicks–is questionable with a calf injury, as is back-up big Jock Landale (illness). Fred VanVleet will miss tonight’s tilt with an ankle issue, and Jabari Smith, Jr. is sidelined, recovering from surgery on a fractured hand.
Houston’s Amen Thompson has averaged 15.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in his last 20 games. Thompson has been ghastly from deep over that stretch, which means he’ll make a half dozen bombs tonight. He’ll take part in a starting unit that includes guard Jalen Green (21.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 36% from three), that pest Dillon Brooks, and Steven Adams at center (if Sengun can’t go).
Prediction
ESPN.com favors New York at home by 55%. Sounds right with home court advantage factored in. Houston will miss Freddy VeeVee, and the Knicks would be wise to attack a backcourt without its floor general tonight. New York will miss OG Anunoby, too, but at least we’ll get another look at how Precious Achiuwa performs at power forward beside Karl-Anthony Towns (whose thumb is still not right, even if not taped). Udoka’s club will be pests all night, with stingy defense that keeps it competitive until midway through the fourth. Look for the Knicks to pull away down the stretch, however. New York by +8. (If Sengun doesn’t play, make it +14.)
Game Details
Teams: New York Knicks (32-17) vs Houston Rockets (32-16)
Location: Madison Square Garden, NYC
Date and Time: Monday, February 3, 2025, 7:30 PM ET
Broadcast: MSG Network
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky