New York Knicks vs Houston Rockets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 17/01/2024, 07:40  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Houston Rockets visit Maddison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks in the NBA on Wednesday night. The hosts are 23-17 and seventh in the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are 19-20 and 11th in the Western Conference. 

The Houston Rockets are in need of a victory having lost four of their last five games, with the most recent being a 124-115 defeat against the 76ers. Jalen Green led the team with 20 points in the loss, and Alpreren Sengun contributed 19 points along with six assists and nine rebounds. Houston currently ranks as the 22nd-scoring team in the NBA, averaging 112.7 points per game, while the New York squad boasts the sixth-best defensive record in the league, allowing 111.3 points per game. In the 2023-24 season, the Rockets display a slight increase in scoring at home (113.7) compared to away games (111.6). Defensively, they have been solid, conceding an average of 111.8 points per game, ranking ninth in the NBA, and grabbing 45.0 rebounds per game, placing them sixth in the league. However, there are uncertainties regarding the availability of Victor Oladipo, Tari Eason, and Reggie Bullock for the upcoming match.

Meanwhile, The New York Knicks have been enjoying a positive run, securing victories in six of their last eight games, although they faced a setback in their last contest with a 98-94 loss to the Magic on Monday. Miles McBride led the team with 20 points, and OG Anunoby contributed 17 points with four assists and two rebounds. Scoring-wise, the Knicks rank 16th in the NBA, averaging 115.1 points per game, while the Rockets boast the ninth-best defense in the league, allowing 111.8 points per game. Defensively, New York have been solid, giving up 111.3 points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA this season. Interestingly, the Knicks have demonstrated a scoring discrepancy when playing at home, averaging 113.4 points compared to 116.2 on the road. On the defensive end, they have conceded fewer points in home games (106.2 opponent points per home game) than on the road (114.7).