Rockets Vs Knicks: Injury updates, recent performances and tip-off at Madison Square Garden
The rockets vs knicks matchup on Saturday night brings a flurry of roster news and fresh form: the New York Knicks (35-21) host the Houston Rockets (34-20) at Madison Square Garden with tip-off at 8: 30 p. m. EST on ABC, and OG Anunoby is officially off New York’s injury report while Miles McBride will not play.
Rockets Vs Knicks at Madison Square Garden
Another tall, tough team trods into MSG as the Knicks try to bounce back from a bad showing on Thursday against the Detroit Pistons. New York enters the game 35-21 after that home loss, while Houston arrives 34-20 after a close road win over the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, a victory described in one account as a four-point squeaker.
What happened on Thursday
In Thursday’s loss to the Pistons, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 33 points, six rebounds and eight assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. On the Rockets’ side, Kevin Durant finished Thursday’s game with 35 points, eight rebounds and four assists, and Jabari Smith Jr. recorded 15 points and seven rebounds in the road win over Charlotte.
Final injury report and availability
Houston has ruled out two players on its injury report: Fred VanVleet, who remains in recovery from a torn ACL suffered during the offseason, and Steven Adams, who is set to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing left ankle surgery earlier this year. The Knicks have ruled out guard Miles McBride as he continues to recover from surgery for a core muscle injury.
The notable return: OG Anunoby is officially off New York’s injury report after returning from a four-game absence caused by a right toenail avulsion in Thursday’s loss. That status change clears him to be available for the game at Madison Square Garden.
Game-thread notes, tone and logistics
This is the game thread: take it easy, easy like Sunday morning. One thread notice asks posters not to upload large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams. A tongue-in-cheek aside in the thread text attached an asterisk to New York’s 35-21 ledger: "* You imagined that NBA Cup Final victory. "
Why this game matters next
The Knicks need a win to carry some optimism into the All-Star break and one game note urged New York to let the bench do the heavy lifting with Philadelphia waiting tomorrow. For the Rockets, maintaining form after the narrow road win over Charlotte keeps them close in the standings. Tip-off is scheduled for 8: 30 p. m. EST on ABC from Madison Square Garden.
Gambling help language included with the original game-thread material lists resources for fans: for gambling problems, call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537); for 24/7 support in Maryland, call 327-5050; and for New York help call 877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY. Specific regional eligibility notes in the thread stated 21+ (18+ D. C. ) and present in select states.
Fans tuning in should expect the Rockets and Knicks to meet at 8: 30 p. m. EST on ABC; the next confirmed event is the scheduled tip-off at Madison Square Garden for this Saturday night matchup.
