The New York Knicks will be near full strength for Saturday's home contest versus the Houston Rockets
The New York Knicks' first game out of the All-Star break wasn't ideal, suffering a third-straight defeat to the Detroit Pistons this season. That marks a 0-3 regular season series loss to Detroit, a team the Knicks defeated in the first round of the postseason in 2025.
While it's upsetting to lose to the number one seed three times this season, the Knicks have to change their focus to Saturday night, where they welcome Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets to Madison Square Garden. The Knicks and Rockets have similar records, but only one team can walk away with the win on Saturday.
Knicks Injury Report
New York's injury report is rather clean, with the only notable name being Miles McBride, who is OUT due to a pelvic injury. McBride could be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season, but the Knicks are in good hands with strong depth at the guard positions.
The only other names listed are Pacome Dadiet, who's QUESTIONABLE due to being on a G-League assignment, and Trey Jemison III, Dillon Jones, and Kevin McCullar Jr., who are all QUESTIONABLE as two-way players.
While McBride is a key piece to this team, his absence will allow for the Knicks to give more opportunities to Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Tyler Kolek. McBride is one of the team's best three-point shooters, but they have enough quality options to stay afloat for the time being.
Rockets Injury Report
The Rockets will be without two-way player Tristen Newton, who is OUT due to being with the G League.
Otherwise, their other two players listed are Steven Adams (ankle) and Fred VanVleet (ACL), as both players have already been ruled OUT for the season.
Game Preview
Saturday will be a star-studded event in basketball's biggest venue, with the Knicks led by their All-Star duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns and the Rockets' All-Star duo of Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.
However, both teams have strong supporting casts, especially with defensive wings, as the Knicks boast OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges while the Rockets have Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr.
Regardless of the outcome, it's a good matchup for the two teams that are in similar positions, trying to compete this year. It's the first of two meetings this year between them, as the Knicks will try to defend their home court after Thursday's loss.
Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. EST.