The New York Knicks host the Houston Rockets this Monday, February 3, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time). This NBA regular season matchup features two teams battling for position in their respective conferences. The Knicks currently sit in third place in the East, while the Rockets hold the fifth spot in the West. The game will be broadcast live on NBA League Pass and is expected to draw a sold-out crowd, with tickets having been sold out for a week.
The recent head-to-head record between the two teams shows balance, with each team winning two of the last four encounters. In their most recent meeting, the Houston Rockets secured a 109-97 victory over the Knicks. On that occasion, Alperen Şengün dominated the paint with 25 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Rockets to victory. Meanwhile, the Knicks struggled offensively, shooting just 39.6% from the field and failing to break through the Rockets’ strong defense.
The New York Knicks come into this game looking to bounce back after a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, the Rockets are aiming to snap a two-game losing streak following defeats to the Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets. This matchup is set to feature an intriguing battle between point guards Jalen Brunson and Jalen Green, both key offensive players for their teams.
Knicks Rely on Home Advantage and Experienced Roster
The New York Knicks are counting on the support of their home crowd at Madison Square Garden to overcome injuries and maintain their strong home performance. The team has won 72% of their home games this season, one of the best records in the Eastern Conference. Led by Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, the Knicks play solid team basketball and will rely on their experience to get past the Houston Rockets.
The absence of OG Anunoby, sidelined with an ankle sprain, poses a defensive challenge for the Knicks. The forward is one of the team’s best perimeter defenders, and his absence could be felt against a Rockets team featuring Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks as offensive threats. Josh Hart, who experienced knee soreness in the last game, remains questionable for the matchup.
The Knicks’ probable starting lineup includes Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, Julius Randle, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Off the bench, head coach Tom Thibodeau is expected to rely on Immanuel Quickley and Mitchell Robinson to keep the team’s energy levels high throughout the game.
Rockets Under Pressure After Consecutive Losses
The Houston Rockets enter this game looking to regain momentum. The team had been on a positive stretch, but recent losses to the Grizzlies and Nets have raised concerns. Head coach Ime Udoka’s biggest worry is the team’s offensive inconsistency, as they have struggled to score in crucial moments.
The absence of Fred VanVleet, who is out with an ankle sprain, takes away one of the team’s primary playmakers. Additionally, Jabari Smith Jr. remains sidelined following surgery on a fractured hand, limiting the team’s frontcourt options. There is also uncertainty surrounding Alperen Şengün, who suffered a calf injury and is questionable for the game.
If Şengün is unable to play, the Rockets’ likely starting lineup will feature Amen Thompson, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Tari Eason, and Steven Adams. With VanVleet out, Jalen Green will be Houston’s primary offensive weapon, averaging 21.3 points per game this season.
Head-to-Head History and Recent Performance
The New York Knicks and Houston Rockets have faced each other 161 times in NBA history. The overall record slightly favors the Rockets, who have won 83 of those games, compared to the Knicks’ 78 victories. In the last 10 meetings, Houston has also had the upper hand, winning six games.
The Knicks come into this game with four wins in their last five outings, while the Rockets have won just two of their last five games. Houston has one of the league’s top defenses, ranking fourth overall, but has struggled offensively, especially without VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr.
Key Stats and Facts About the Matchup
- Madison Square Garden, the venue for this game, is widely regarded as the most iconic arena in the NBA, hosting major sporting and entertainment events.
- The Houston Rockets won back-to-back NBA championships in the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons, making them the only Texas team to achieve that feat.
- The New York Knicks are one of the founding franchises of the NBA and remain one of the league’s most valuable teams, valued at over $6 billion.
- Julius Randle leads the Knicks in points per game (23.1) and rebounds (9.8), while Jalen Brunson is the team’s main playmaker, averaging 6.3 assists.
- Jalen Green is Houston’s top scorer, averaging 21.3 points per game, followed closely by Alperen Şengün, who contributes 19.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
Officiating Crew and Weather Forecast
The officiating crew for the game has yet to be officially announced, but an experienced group of referees is expected to be assigned. In their last meeting, the Knicks disputed several calls, particularly a controversial foul against Jalen Brunson in the final moments of the game.
The weather forecast for New York on Monday night predicts partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 5°C (41°F). These conditions should not affect fans heading to Madison Square Garden for the game.
Ticket Sales and Star-Studded Attendance
Tickets for the Knicks vs. Rockets game have been completely sold out, reflecting the high anticipation surrounding this matchup. Madison Square Garden has a seating capacity of over 19,000 and frequently hosts celebrities at high-profile games. Notable figures such as filmmaker and longtime Knicks fan Spike Lee and former Knicks legend Patrick Ewing are expected to be in attendance.
Game Expectations
The New York Knicks enter the game as favorites, primarily due to their strong home record and balanced roster. However, the Rockets have the potential to pull off an upset if they can impose their defensive intensity and capitalize on their speed. With Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle leading the Knicks and Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks spearheading the Rockets’ attack, fans can expect an exciting and closely contested matchup.
