Rockets vs. Knicks: 3 Best Bets
The Houston Rockets are looking to bounce back after dipping below the .500 mark for the first time since early November. Houston has lost four of their last five games and has to travel to take on the New York Knicks. Both teams had a day of rest before this matchup, so fatigue shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
The Knicks are trending upwards since they added OG Anunoby from Toronto. They are 6-2 in their last eight games and are hoping to leapfrog the Pacers with a win tonight.
The Rockets will be without Victor Oladipo and Tari Eason, and New York won’t play Mitchell Robinson. Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Reggie Bullock Jr. are all questionable.
Keep it posted here for our three best bets, courtesy of the lines at SI Sportsbook.
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
The Lines
Point spread: Knicks -4.5 (-118)/Rockets +4.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Knicks (-213)/Rockets (+165)
Over/under: 220.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Alperen Sengun OVER 22.5 points (-110)
While it’s true that Alperen Sengun hasn’t surpassed this line in either of his last two games, the depleted Knicks’ frontcourt shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. They’ve been one of the better interior defensive teams all season but have slumped with Robinson being out. Sengun should be able to find his groove tonight.
Opponent pick: Jalen Brunson UNDER 26.5 points (-120)
Brunson is averaging 25.8 points per game this season, but missed two games with an injury and isn’t guaranteed to play tonight. While he was hot before his injury (27ppg in five games before injury), he will have to play against Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks, who don’t mind being physical on defense. Probably warry after getting hurt, Brunson won’t be as aggressive, and shouldn’t light up the Rockets.
Team pick: Rockets +4.5 (-105)
After Houston hit a cold streak and the Knicks got hot, we expected this line to be much bigger. The close nature of the 4.5-point spread suggests that the Knicks are not fully healthy and that they won’t trot out their best effort tonight. Houston, who has been slumping, will be the total opposite, and while a win isn’t guaranteed, a close game should be expected.
