NBA players often speak of their excitement to play at Madison Square Garden, and for Western Conference teams, visits to New York happen only once each season. So, could Saturday bring an inspired performance that finally ends Houston’s losing streak? We have the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as all the information you need to make the smartest bet on Tipico Sportsbook.
The game, which is the third of a four-game road trip for the reeling Rockets (1-14), tips off at 4 p.m. CT and can be viewed or streamed via AT&T SportsNet Southwest and NBA League Pass. After Wednesday’s setback at Oklahoma City, Houston enters with 13 straight losses.
The good news for the Rockets is they had two days off between that loss to the Thunder and Saturday’s game versus the Knicks. In addition to the mental benefits of time off during a long losing streak, it might allow them to regain the services of starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr., who missed Wednesday’s game due to a nagging left thigh contusion.
To beat Julius Randle and the Knicks, though, Porter’s arrival isn’t likely to be enough on its own. Particularly on the road, the Rockets need a better performance by big man Christian Wood, who is shooting just 39.2% from the field and 22.9% on 3-pointers over his past eight games. He’s also struggling from the free-throw line: 45.0% over his last six outings.
Rockets at Knicks notable injuries:
Porter remains officially questionable to play, but he’s listed as a projected starter in the team’s official game notes. Otherwise, Houston’s injury report is clean. For the Knicks, Taj Gibson is doubtful due to a sore groin, while big man Nerlens Noel is probable with a sprained right knee.
The lines, courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook (place your bets here)
- Point spread: Knicks -11.5
- Money line: Rockets +520 / Knicks -800
- Over-under: 211.5
Advice and prediction
The most concerning part of Houston’s ongoing 13-game skid is that the results continue to get worse. Only one game of the last six has finished within single digits, and that was a home loss by eight points to lowly Detroit. As such, staying close at New York and a veteran-laden Knicks roster feels like a tall order for the Rockets in their current form.
Prediction: Knicks 110, Rockets 98
This post originally appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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