NBA · Final

Knicks Edge Rockets in Thrilling Finish at Madison Square Garden

106

108

Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Madison Square Garden

New York Knicks 108, Houston Rockets 106, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Houston Rockets vs New York Knicks?

New York Knicks beat Houston Rockets 108-106 at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2026.

Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs New York Knicks?

New York Knicks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.

In a closely contested game at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks narrowly defeated the Houston Rockets with a final score of 108-106. This victory improved the Knicks' record to 37-21, while the Rockets fell to 34-22. The matchup was particularly significant as it marked the second meeting of the season between the two teams, with the Knicks now leading the series 2-0.

Both teams entered the game with solid records, showcasing their competitiveness in the league. The Knicks had a home record of 36-21, while the Rockets boasted an away record of 34-21. The Knicks had shown a strong offensive performance at home, averaging 119.8 points in their last ten games, although they had recently suffered a loss against the Detroit Pistons just two days prior. In contrast, the Rockets were on a one-game winning streak, having defeated the Charlotte Hornets 105-101 in their last outing.

In terms of recent form, the Knicks had a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, but they were on a one-game losing streak. Their scoring average over the last five games was 114.8 points, while they allowed 111.8 points per game. The Rockets, on the other hand, had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, with a scoring average of 104.5 points and allowing 104.8 points. Their last five games had seen them score an average of 104.0 points while conceding 103.2 points.

The matchup was also notable for its injury implications. For the Knicks, Mohamed Diawara and Jalen Brunson were both listed as day-to-day, while the Rockets had Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams also marked as day-to-day. The status of these key players added an element of uncertainty to the game.

Betting lines from DraftKings indicated the Knicks were favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 220.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the Knicks holding a moneyline of -162.00 and the Rockets at +136.00.

As the game unfolded, it was a battle of wills in the fourth quarter. The Knicks managed to tie the game at 103 with a shot from Jalen Brunson, who had been instrumental in the closing moments. Brunson's pull-up jumper gave the Knicks a slight edge, followed by free throws from OG Anunoby that extended their lead to 107-103. However, the Rockets fought back, with Kevin Durant hitting a crucial three-pointer to bring the game within one point at 107-106.

The final moments were tense, but the Knicks held their composure, with Landry Shamet sealing the victory with a free throw that brought the final score to 108-106. This game not only showcased the resilience of the Knicks but also highlighted the competitive spirit of the Rockets, making it a thrilling encounter for fans.

Overall, the game was a testament to the high stakes and excitement of the NBA, with both teams demonstrating their capabilities and fighting for every point. The Knicks will look to build on this victory as they continue their campaign, while the Rockets will aim to bounce back in their next games.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	NY -3.5	220.5 o -110 / u -110	Houston Rockets +136 · New York Knicks -162

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Mohamed DiawaraDay-To-DayFingerNew York Knicks
Jalen BrunsonDay-To-DayWristNew York Knicks
Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets

Leaders

PointsKarl-Anthony Towns25New York Knicks
AssistsJalen Brunson6New York Knicks
ReboundsKarl-Anthony Towns7New York Knicks
PointsKevin Durant30Houston Rockets
AssistsAmen Thompson7Houston Rockets
ReboundsTari Eason12Houston Rockets

Recent form

New York Knicks

Last 10: 7-3Streak L1119.8 scored · 107.6 allowed per game3-2 at home

L111-126vs Detroit PistonsFeb 20
W138-89at Philadelphia 76ersFeb 12
L134-137vs Indiana PacersFeb 11
W111-89at Boston CelticsFeb 8
L80-118at Detroit PistonsFeb 7
W134-127vs Denver NuggetsFeb 5
W132-101at Washington WizardsFeb 4
W112-100vs Los Angeles LakersFeb 2
W127-97vs Portland Trail BlazersJan 31
W119-92at Toronto RaptorsJan 29

Houston Rockets

Last 10: 6-4Streak W1104.5 scored · 104.8 allowed per game4-0 away

W105-101at Charlotte HornetsFeb 20
L102-105vs LA ClippersFeb 12
W102-95vs LA ClippersFeb 11
W112-106at Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 7
L99-109vs Charlotte HornetsFeb 6
L93-114vs Boston CelticsFeb 5
W118-114at Indiana PacersFeb 3
W111-107vs Dallas MavericksFeb 1
W104-86at Atlanta HawksJan 30
L99-111vs San Antonio SpursJan 29

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
San Antonio	-	20	L1	.756	62
Houston	10	30	W1	.634	52
New Orleans	36	56	L2	.317	26
Dallas	36	56	W1	.317	26
Memphis	37	57	L8	.305	25
Boston	-	26	W2	.683	56
New York	3	29	L1	.646	53
Toronto	10	36	W1	.561	46
Philadelphia	11	37	W2	.549	45
Brooklyn	36	62	L3	.244	20

Box score

Stat	Houston Rockets	New York Knicks
Field goals	38-80	42-85
Field goal %	48	49
Three-pointers	12-31	10-26
Three-point %	39	38
Free throws	18-23	14-16
Free throw %	78	88
Rebounds	44	29
Offensive rebounds	13	8
Defensive rebounds	31	21
Assists	24	26
Steals	5	11
Blocks	6	0
Turnovers	19	11
Team turnovers	1	1
Technical fouls	1	0
Technical fouls, total	1	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	30	15
Fast-break points	14	23
Points in the paint	50	48
Fouls	20	19
Largest lead	18	13
Lead changes	2	2
Time in front	48	48

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter80-67Kevin Durant makes 22-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
3rd Quarter82-67Amen Thompson makes 1-foot running dunk (Reed Sheppard assists)
3rd Quarter82-69Landry Shamet makes 1-foot two point shot (Jalen Brunson assists)
3rd Quarter82-70Landry Shamet makes free throw 1 of 1
3rd Quarter82-71Jalen Brunson makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter82-72Jalen Brunson makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter83-72Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter84-72Clint Capela makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter84-73Jalen Brunson makes technical free throw
3rd Quarter85-73Clint Capela makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter85-74Jalen Brunson makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter85-75Jalen Brunson makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter86-75Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter87-75Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter89-75Reed Sheppard makes running layup
3rd Quarter91-75Amen Thompson makes 7-foot two point shot (Kevin Durant assists)
4th Quarter93-75Dorian Finney-Smith makes layup (Amen Thompson assists)
4th Quarter93-78Landry Shamet makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jose Alvarado assists)
4th Quarter93-80Karl-Anthony Towns makes 1-foot dunk (Jose Alvarado assists)
4th Quarter94-80Alperen Sengun makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter94-83Landry Shamet makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jose Alvarado assists)
4th Quarter97-83Jabari Smith Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Reed Sheppard assists)
4th Quarter97-86Karl-Anthony Towns makes 23-foot three point jumper (OG Anunoby assists)
4th Quarter97-89Jose Alvarado makes 23-foot running jump shot (Mikal Bridges assists)
4th Quarter97-91Mikal Bridges makes tip in dunk
4th Quarter98-91Tari Eason makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter99-91Tari Eason makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter99-93OG Anunoby makes dunk (Karl-Anthony Towns assists)
4th Quarter99-95Jalen Brunson makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
4th Quarter99-97Karl-Anthony Towns makes driving layup
4th Quarter101-97Tari Eason makes 10-foot two point shot
4th Quarter101-99Jalen Brunson makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter103-99Kevin Durant makes 19-foot jumper
4th Quarter103-101Jose Alvarado makes running layup
4th Quarter103-103Jalen Brunson makes two point shot
4th Quarter103-105Jalen Brunson makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter103-106OG Anunoby makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter103-107OG Anunoby makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter106-107Kevin Durant makes 25-foot three pointer
4th Quarter106-108Landry Shamet makes free throw 2 of 2