Key players sidelined, but conference contenders clash at MSG. Composure and control will decide this pivotal showdown.
On Saturday, February 21, the Houston Rockets (34-20) meet the New York Knicks (35-21) for the first time this season at Madison Square Garden.
When: Saturday, February 21 @ 7:30 PM CT
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York
Where to watch:
ABC (television)
FuboTV (with subscription)
Rockets vs. Knicks Injury Report
Houston:
Out: Steven Adams (ankle surgery)
Out: Fred VanVleet (ACL repair)
New York:
Out: Miles McBride (core muscle surgery)
There should be no surprises as far as the injury report goes for either team for Saturday night’s game in New York.
On Houston’s side, Steven Adams remains out following season-ending ankle surgery, removing their only true physical counter inside. Adams’ absence also means rebounding is community effort. Fred VanVleet is still sidelined after ACL repair, keeping Houston in its post-FVV identity.
For New York, Miles McBride won’t be suiting up anytime soon as he recovers from pelvic surgery he underwent earlier this month. Without the two-way backup point guard, expect to see extended minutes for the Knicks’ primary ball handlers led by Jalen Brunson.
All in all, both teams are entering as healthily as possible, so it should be a fun matchup. Madison Square Garden has a way of amplifying mistakes and multiplying pressure, so this one comes down to composure and control.
Both teams rank in the top four of their respective conferences, so the devil is in the details tonight. That means protecting the ball, converting turnovers, and pressure in the paint. Whoever dictates the tempo early on, will likely walk out with the edge.