NBA (3/31) | New York Knicks vs. Houston Rockets: The Power of Friendship
Written by: Varun Sharma
Published: Tue Mar 31, 2026, 6:32 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nba
The New York Knicks are in Texas tonight taking on the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. Big time matchup between two teams very much in need of wins. With just seven games left in the regular season, every game means that much more.
Let's jump straight into it.
If you're searching for Maddness (CBB); click here for everything you need.
For additional information on picks, props, money lines and more on today's NBA slate, take a look at our NBA Picks Page or our NBA Odds Page.
Game Information
Matchup Information
- Location: Toyota Center; Houston, Texas
- Date: Tuesday, March 31st, 2026
- Tipoff: 8:10 PM EST
Key Players
- Jalen Brunson (NYK): 35.0 MPG | 26.3 PPG | 3.2 RPG | 6.8 APG
- Kevin Durant (HOU): 36.4 MPG | 25.9 PPG | 5.4 RPG | 4.6 APG
Betting Odds
Odds via Lucky Rebel, an industry leader in the sports betting world.
Analysis & Breakdown
Houston, we have a problem
The Houston Rockets have been good this year, they've been bad this year and everything in between. The team sits sixth in the Western Conference, just two games back of the Denver Nuggets in fourth.
Houston's lead by a 37-year old Kevin Durant and even at his age, he's looked fantastic. Durant's played in 71 of the team's 74 games this year, he's averaging 25.9 points per game and he's played the second most minutes this year in the NBA.
That's not a typo, at age 37, Durant sits second this year in total minutes played and is averaging over 36 minutes per game. The only guy who's played more minutes than KD is his teammate, Amen Thompson. Thompson's played in 72 of the team's games and is averaging 37 minutes per game.
The Rockets have had to rely heavily on their starters because the team lacks depth and continues to have a tough time closing team's out. Houston ranks 18th in 4th quarter points scored this year and 23rd in 4th quarter turnovers.
Defensively the team's been great, ranking 4th in points allowed, 8th in opponent 3-point percentage and 6th in opponent effective field goal percentage. The problems come up on offense.
The team ranks 20th in points scored, 17th in effective field goal percentage and struggle to even score on the fast break (20th).
City Boys
New York's lost the first two games of this four game road trip and tonight they're hoping to end the skid. The team's third in the Eastern Conference, but after back to back losses the Cleveland Cavaliers are closing in. Just one game separates the two and Cleveland's got the third easiest remaining schedule.
The Knicks have no room to breathe and tonight they're in Houston taking on a team also very much in need of wins. New York ranks 3rd this year in offensive rating and defensively they're not far behind (7th).
The team's lead by Jalen Brunson. The 29-year old PG is averaging 26.3 points per game this year to go along with 6.7 assists per game. He's played in 69 of the team's 75 games this year and looks ready to hopefully lead the Knicks on another deep postseason run.
The problem with the Knicks has been their two best players are also their two worst defenders. With both Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns on the floor, the team's defensive rating jumps to 116.0; compared to 110.6 with both off the floor.
Tuesday Night's Best Bets
Reed Sheppard o20.5 PRA (-120) | Lucky Rebel
This line feels incredibly low for a guy that's been as important as Reed Sheppard. The Rockets have won 12 of the 16 games Sheppard's started and the kid's averaging 15.1 points, 5.1 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game in these 16 starts.
Sheppard's shooting percentages haven't been great but the Knicks rank 21st in threes allowed, 19th in opponent 3-point percentage and rank bottom-12 in rebounds/assists allowed to the shot guard position.
Sheppard's cleared this line in five of his last six games and tonight against the Knicks should be another great spot.
Karl-Anthony Towns o10.5. Rebounds (-120) | Lucky Rebel
This line is so low that it's probably a trap. Town's is averaging 12.4 rebounds per game in his last 10 games and tonight's matchup with Houston is a tough one. The team ranks 2nd in rebounds allowed but this line is just incredibly low.
Towns is averaging 12.9 rebounds per game this month and I'm predicting a defense heavy, low scoring affair tonight. Should be plenty of rebounding opportunities for the Big Purr.
Looking for More
More NBA News
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals | Spurs vs. Knicks: Game 4
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals MVP Odds: Race Tightens After Spurs' Game 3 Win
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals | Spurs vs. Knicks: Game 3
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting the Top Five Picks
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on 'X' @VSaaauce for all my picks and sports takes you didn't ask for! Follow Betting News on 'X' and Twitch and catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks, and news!
Looking for a great promo for a new sportsbook? Check out our reviews of the best sportsbooks.
You may know me as ‘VSaaauce’. I’ve been a die hard hoops fan my entire life. I’ve been betting on the NBA/NCAAB/NFL/MLB for six years now, each year gaining more and more knowledge about being a profitable handicapper. I’m eager to learn, and eager to pass on everything I’ve gained over the last few years. I started my Twitter page four years ago, and this community makes me so thankful I did. Outside of sports and handicapping, I enjoy traveling, hoopin, a strong espresso and I’m currently studying to obtain my MD. I’m all about the vibes, good vibes only. If that sounds like you, follow me on 'X' @VSaaauce.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.