BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Bangot Dak scored 17 points, Barrington Hargress added 16, and Colorado defeated Oklahoma State 83-69 on Saturday, giving the Buffaloes their third straight home win.
Colorado didn't allow a field goal in a 5 1/2-minute stretch early in the first half and the Buffaloes led 25-8 eight minutes into the game. Colorado made five 3-pointers in that opening stretch.
Scoring runs of 9-0 and 6-0 helped Oklahoma State get within 42-34 at halftime.
Christian Coleman and Isaiah Coleman combined for an 8-0 run that drew the Cowboys within 45-44 early in the second half and they went ahead 48-47 four minutes into the period. But Oklahoma State never went ahead by more than a point and Colorado used a 15-4 run to rebuild a double-digit lead, 68-57.
The lead reached 15 points on a 3-pointer by Alon Michaeli with 3 1/2 minutes remaining and 16 points when Isaiah Johnson converted a layup with 1:50 to go.
The Cowboys missed their last 10 shots.
Parsa Fallah scored 14 points and Christian Coleman and Vyctorius Miller added 11 points each for Oklahoma State, which has lost five straight.
Michaeli had 12 points off the bench for Colorado (15-12, 5-9 Big 12). Sebastian Rancik grabbed 10 rebounds and Hargress had eight assists.
The Cowboys (16-11, 4-10) fell to 0-10 when scoring less than 81 points. They are 16-1 when scoring at least 81.
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Jeremiah Wilkinson scored 19 points off the bench, and Georgia used a late run to defeat Texas 91-80 on Saturday, ending a three-game home losing streak
The Bulldogs (19-8, 7-7 SEC) shot 60% overall, 11 of 20 from 3-point range, and led 45-35 at halftime. Marcus Millender added 15 points and five assists, Somtochukwu Cyril and Kanon Catchings each scored 13 and Blue Cain finished with 12 points and five assists.
Texas (17-10, 8-6) rallied in the second half behind Matas Vokietaitis, who finished with 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting, and Dailyn Swain, who added 21 points. Jordan Pope scored 17 for the Longhorns, who shot 57% overall and 6 of 12 from 3-point range.
Texas tied the game at 67-all on a step-back 3-pointer by Pope with 7:37 remaining.
Justin Abson started a Georgia run with a dunk, and a three-point play by Cain capped a 10-2 surge that pushed the lead to 77-69 with 5:26 left. The Bulldogs later extended the margin to 87-75 on a Catchings 3-pointer with 2:04 remaining and never let Texas get closer than eight the rest of the way.
The Bulldogs and Longhorns split their season series after Texas beat Georgia 87-67 on Jan. 24.
The standings may not show it, but the Houston Rockets are stumbling these days.
Although the New York Knicks may look like peers, they are actually far more trustworthy.
These Rockets vs. Knicks predictions and NBA picks trust the home team on Saturday, February 21.
Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden, with the game airing on ABC.
Rockets vs Knicks prediction
Rockets vs Knicks best bet: Knicks -3.5 (-105)
It is not just that the Houston Rockets have gone 3-10 against the spread in the last month. It is also that they have fallen short of bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 9.1 points in those 10 ATS losses.
That is not terribly surprising once realizing Houston’s offensive rating in the last month has been No. 22 in the NBA, down from No. 4 before Jan. 21. When your offense slips by 8.3 points per 100 possessions, woes are going to follow.
Rockets vs Knicks same-game parlay
Kevin Durant may have poured in 35 points in his first game following the All-Star Break, but he fell short of this points prop in five of eight before the break, part of why the Rockets have cashed 10 Unders in 13 games in the last month.
Rockets vs Knicks SGP
Knicks -3.5
Kevin Durant Under 24.5 points
Under 219
Our "from downtown" SGP: KAT Boards
While New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns has struggled to shoot lately, he has continued to pile up rebounds, grabbing double-digit boards in 10 straight games and hitting this prop in nine of them.
Rockets vs Knicks SGP
Knicks -3.5
Knicks 1H -1.5
Kevin Durant Under 24.5 points
Under 219
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 10.5 rebounds
Rockets vs Knicks odds
Spread: Rockets +3.5 (-110) | Knicks -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Rockets +135 | Knicks -160
Over/Under: Over 219 (-110) | Under 219 (-110)
Rockets vs Knicks betting trend to know
Houston is 1-7 ATS in its last eight games. Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Knicks.
How to watch Rockets vs Knicks
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Rockets vs Knicks latest injuries
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DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 20: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball as Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets defends during the fourth quarter at Ball Arena on January 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tanner Pearson/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On paper, the Lakers are poised for a huge summer of spending. Through multiple transaction windows, the Lakers have planned for the summer of 2027 as the time when they strike big.
The problem with their plan, and one they currently have entirely predicted, is that the unrestricted free agency class is rather underwhelming. It doesn’t mean the Lakers can’t still build a contender, but it does mean the simplest path to do so won’t likely be one they can take.
What, then, will free agency look like for the Lakers this summer? Let’s dive into that and more with our mailbag this week.
OldSchoolBaller
Who are the best and most likely free agents this coming offseason?
Technically, the two biggest likely unrestricted free agents will be two Lakers in LeBron James and Austin Reaves. After that, the free agency class pretty quickly takes a nose dive.
First, let’s look at the most notable potential unrestricted free agents:
Isaiah Hartenstein — Team option
Andrew Wiggins — Player option
John Collins — Unrestricted
Norman Powell — Unrestricted
Lu Dort — Team option
Quentin Grimes — Unrestricted
Ayo Dosunmu — Unrestricted
This isn’t even a particularly exhaustive list or one with much thought on the Lakers’ needs, but more of an example of how few real game-changing free agents there will be.
Excluded from this were Trae Young (player option), James Harden (player option) and Kristaps Porzingis (unrestricted), but for various fairly obvious reasons, I don’t think the Lakers are going to be an option there.
The far more intriguing crop of players are the restricted free agents:
Restricted free agency has taken on an odd form under the new CBA. Last summer, we saw how little interest teams had in signing them, leading to long standoffs between the incumbent team and the player.
The Lakers’ unique position, though, could allow them to sign at least one of these players and still be spenders in free agency elsewhere. It won’t tie up their cap space entirely to send out an offer sheet. And with so much cap room, they could put together some really big offer sheets that will make it tough for teams to match.
It wouldn’t be a surprise, then, to see the Lakers moving aggressively from the start of free agency to sign one of these players and start the clock on the incumbent teams to match the offer once the moratorium ends.
Kilgary
It’s crazy we don’t have a definitive answer for this yet. With just 28 games left in the season: Who should be in our starting lineup? We saw zero success with AR+Luka+LeBron+Rui all starting (no one quick enough to defend the POA) BUT that was with JJ’s “switch everything” defense. What if they started out in zone? JJ has been experimenting with a lot of different zone looks to wallpaper over our slow footed stars. Would we be better off with our best offensive players in the starting lineup and starting out in zone or with some defenders and starting out in our “switch everything” defense?
While I understand the sentiment, I think there are a couple of reasons to push back.
For one, you’re telegraphing what type of defense you’re going to play based on your starting lineup and if there’s anything coaches hate to do, it’s telegraph things based on starting lineups.
There is also a bit of a misconception about the zone defense the Lakers are using. It’s not something they go to for a long string of possessions in a row because NBA offenses and players are too sophisticated and smart for that to work.
The Lakers will employ their zone defense for a couple of possessions and then go back to the man-to-man. Think of it in baseball as a pitcher having different pitches. If they keep throwing a changeup (zone defense), then eventually the batter is going to see it coming and bad things will happen.
But if he can mix in that changeup with a fastball (man-to-man) and maybe even some other stuff like a curve (blitzing the ballhandler, as they did against the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard), then they may have enough. The zone defense is part of a greater scheme defensively and one they’re going to use with about every lineup they have because they aren’t good enough defensively to just have one look.
Kilgary
Second question: is there anyone left in the buyout market who would be worth waiving Kleber for? I’ll fully acknowledge that Maxi has contributed to winning 4 games this season. But that means he didn’t really contribute (or actively hurt our chances) in his 25 other games. I personally believe the bad outweighs the good and would rather have someone else hold the 15th roster spot. We can afford another vet minimum contract starting on February 26th. I was hoping we’d have a shot at Highsmith, but he’s off the board. Is there anyone else like Matisse Thybulle or even one of our 2-way guys like Timme who is worth taking a chance on over keeping Maxi on the roster as an emergency big?
I think there’s very, very little chance they move on from Maxi Kleber before the end of the season. Barring something drastic, this is the roster for the rest of the season.
Considering the recent games Deandre Ayton has missed with a knee injury lately and Jaxson Hayes’ potential to tackle a mascot at a moment’s notice, I don’t think the Lakers are in a position to cut bait on their third-string center.
I also think there’s value in being a respected veteran teammate on the bench. The team loves Kleber and he’s answered the bell when he’s asked in some big moments. I’m not sure there’d be a great reaction internally or externally to waiving him just before the playoffs, especially with a buyout market void of any real impact players and no two-way guys worth signing to a standard deal for the playoffs.
This isn’t like last season when Jordan Goodwin was securely in the rotation as the season ended. Drew Timme had a moment, as has Nick Smith Jr., but neither guy is worth cutting Kleber for.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Andre Mills scored 21 points to lead Maryland to a 64-60 win over Washington on Saturday.
Mills was only 7 of 18 from the floor, but 3 of 6 from behind the arc with five assists. He was coming off a career-high 39 points against Northwestern on Wednesday and scored 10 of the Terrapins' final 13 points over the last 6:24 of the game.
Solomon Washington’s 11-point, 14-rebound double-double buoyed the Terrapins (11-16, 4-12 Big Ten), while Elijah Saunders had 12 points and five rebounds.
Maryland held a 34-32 lead at halftime, flipping a game-high eight-point deficit into a lead with a 9-0 run starting at the 14:07 mark. They closed the game with a 13-6 run to retake and hold onto the lead.
The Terrapins had advantages in rebounding and on second-chance points, with 36-23 and 16-2 margins, respectively. While the Huskies shot 46 percent from the field (24-for-52) to 40 percent (23-for-57) for the Terrapins, the Terrapins made five more 3-pointers, and shot 43 percent behind the arc.
Zoom Diallo scored 19 points on 8 of 13 from the field to go with five assists for the Huskies (13-14, 5-11). Hannes Steinbach had 14 points and Wesley Yates III added 12.
Up next
Washington will continue its trip to the East Coast with a visit to Rutgers on Tuesday.
Maryland will face No. 9 Nebraska on the road on Wednesday.
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Donovan Atwell had 26 points with six 3-pointers, Christian Anderson scored 21 and No. 13 Texas Tech beat Kansas State 100-72 on Saturday in the first game for the Red Raiders since standout post JT Toppin's season-ending knee injury.
Texas Tech (20-7, 10-4 Big 12) maintained a double-digit lead after making nine consecutive shots, including three 3s in a row by Atwell, during a 26-10 run in just under seven minutes for a 40-20 lead with 6:20 left in the first half.
Anderson, who also had nine assists, scored 16 of his points after halftime, when LeJuan Watts had 13 of his 19.
The Red Raiders reached 20 wins for the third season in a row. The school record is four, with coach Bob Knight from 2001-02 to 2004-05.
PJ Haggerty had 17 points and Nate Johnson 15 points for Kansas State (11-16, 2-12), which was playing its second game since a coaching change. The Wildcats beat Baylor 90-74 at home Tuesday, two days after coach Jerome Tang was fired.
The Wildcats led only twice at Tech, when Johnson made their first two shots of the game, a 3 and then a jumper that made it 5-3.
Toppin, the preseason AP All-America selection, averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds a game while having 16 double-doubles before tearing the ACL in his right knee in a 72-67 loss at Arizona State on Tuesday night. He sat at the end of the Tech bench Saturday.
Sophomore forward Luke Bamgboye, a 6-foot-11 transfer from VCU, made his fifth start for the Red Raiders, his first since Dec. 7. He scored 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting while also having six rebounds and three blocked shots in 21 minutes.
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Marcel Hartel scored in the 60th minute and Pep Biel equalized in the 73rd as St. Louis City SC and Charlotte FC opened the MLS season with a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
St. Louis controlled much of the match, finishing with a 22-9 advantage in shots and an 11-3 edge in shots on goal. Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made 10 saves.
The teams played to a scoreless first half, with Charlotte generating limited attacking pressure while St. Louis created the better chances. CITY SC made its first substitution of the season early in the second half, bringing on Brendan McSorley.
St. Louis broke through in the 60th minute when Hartel finished from the left side of the box after a well-timed pass from Simon Becher opened space in front of the goal.
Charlotte answered 13 minutes later as Wilfried Zaha delivered a through ball that found Biel making a run into the box, and the midfielder finished to level the match.
St. Louis pushed for a winner late, generating several chances in stoppage time, but Kahlina preserved the draw with multiple close-range saves.
CITY SC finished with a 1.9-0.6 advantage in expected goals and a 6-1 edge in corner kicks, but settled for a point. St. Louis remains unbeaten in its four MLS season-opening matches.
The Sixers slid to a season-worst fourth straight loss Saturday night in New Orleans.
They fell to a 126-11 defeat, dropping to 30-26 overall. The Pelicans improved to 16-42.
Tyrese Maxey scored 27 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. posted 25.
New Orleans had three 20-point scorers in Jordan Poole (23 points), Zion Williamson (21) and Saddiq Bey (20).
Joel Embiid (right shin soreness and right knee injury management) missed his fourth consecutive game. The Pelicans’ injured players included Trey Murphy III and Yves Missi.
The Sixers will visit the Timberwolves on Sunday night. Here are observations on their dismal loss to the Pelicans:
Sixers determined to draw fouls
Two of Embiid’s many backups over the years started Saturday night. Andre Drummond matched up with very rarely used 37-year-old big man DeAndre Jordan.
Both the Pelicans and Sixers began 0 for 4 from the floor. The Sixers at least managed to draw plenty of free throws. Their role players did a good job early of driving hard, consistently reaching the paint and putting pressure on the Pelicans’ lowly defense.
Maxey was the last Sixers starter on the scoreboard. He missed his first five field goals and dealt with customary extra attention on another Embiid-less night.
New Orleans native Oubre made the first field goal of the game, a long-range jumper that gave the Sixers an 8-0 edge.
Not a beautiful ball game
Quentin Grimes had another nice start.
Coming off of a 14-point outing Thursday in the Sixers’ loss to the Hawks, Grimes knocked down two three-pointers and scored nine points in the first quarter.
The Sixers trimmed their rotation down to nine players in the first half, removing Trendon Watford. Justin Edwards joined the mix in the third quarter.
Jabari Walker logged 17 minutes and had nine points and six rebounds. Walker and Adem Bona each had solid defensive possessions on Williamson, although New Orleans’ star forward got rolling early in the second quarter and the Pelicans briefly went ahead.
The second quarter was a physical, foul-heavy, not especially pretty frame. The Sixers ultimately won it, thanks in part to efficient scoring from Oubre and VJ Edgecombe. Oubre closed the second quarter with a buzzer-beating three and the Sixers held an eight-point halftime lead.
Hard to exaggerate third-quarter woes
The Pelicans made a 10-0 run early in the third quarter capped by a Bey triple.
The Sixers played very poorly late in the third with Maxey on the sidelines, too. Bona fouled Karlo Matkovic beyond the arc and he made all three of his free throws to put New Orleans up 97-89.
While the Pelicans had a far better three-point shooting night than usual (50 percent), the Sixers conceded too many easy points and cheap fouls. Even with a 27-11 advantage in points off turnovers, the Sixers couldn’t avoid a terrible loss.
There’s a strong chance the Sixers end the season as the NBA’s worst third-quarter team. Entering Saturday, their minus-17.5 net rating in third quarters was last in the league. The Jazz ranked 29th at minus-10.1.
For a team that’s otherwise been above-average, it’s baffling and inexcusable that the Sixers have been so bad in one quarter for so long.
The Sixers didn’t flip a switch once the fourth quarter started. Poole went on a scoring spree and the Pelicans’ lead ballooned over 20 points.
Unless the Sixers play a much higher-quality game Sunday against the 35-22 Timberwolves, they’ll be staring at a five-game skid.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Atlantic 10 has issued reprimands and fined both No. 18 Saint Louis and VCU for violating the conference's sportsmanship policy following a scuffle between the two teams near the end of a basketball game on Friday night.
The conference said in a statement that it would not issue suspensions and praised game officials for handling the situation in “exemplary fashion.”
The A-10 did not disclose the amount of the fines, but said they would be according to conference policy.
“This was an unfortunate end to a great college basketball game between two of the best teams in the nation," the statement said. "The A-10 considers the matter closed and looks forward to the remainder of the regular season and the Atlantic 10 Championship in Pittsburgh in March.”
The coaches from Saint Louis and VCU were preparing to shake hands when the benches cleared with 1.1 seconds left. With the victory, Saint Louis (25-2, 13-1 Atlantic 10) prevented VCU (21-7, 12-3) from taking over first place.
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz raced to a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Arthur Fils to win the final of the Qatar Open in just 50 minutes on Saturday.
The 22-year-old Spanish star extended his winning streak to 12 matches in 2026, 20 days after he became the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open — that’s winning all four of the tennis majors.
“It’s been a really strong start to the year,” Alcaraz said.
Winning the title in Doha brought his tally to 26 tour-level titles.
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Roman Siulepa scored 22 points, and Nojus Indrusaitis added a career-high 17 as Pittsburgh held off Notre Dame 73-68 on Saturday.
The Panthers (10-17, 3-11 ACC) shot 45% from the field and made 11 of 24 from 3-point range, leading 23-20 at halftime. Siulepa went 7 of 10 from the field and knocked down four 3-pointers while adding seven rebounds and three steals. Cameron Corhen finished with 13 points and eight rebounds as Pittsburgh ended a five-game skid.
Notre Dame (12-15, 3-11) struggled offensively early, going 2 of 18 from 3-point range in the first half with no player scoring more than four points. The Irish briefly grabbed their first lead since the 5:46 mark of the opening half when a layup made it 47-46 midway through the second.
Pittsburgh answered with a decisive stretch as Indrusaitis hit back-to-back 3-pointers to spark a run that turned a one-point deficit into a 55-49 lead with 4:46 remaining. The Panthers pushed the margin to 63-52 with 2:39 left and never trailed again.
Notre Dame made one final push as Cole Certa scored seven points in the final minute, cutting the deficit to three before Siulepa responded with a dunk, and Pittsburgh sealed the game at the free-throw line.
Certa led the Irish with 16 points, while Logan Imes added 12 points and eight rebounds. Ryder Frost scored 12 off the bench.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Gia Cooke scored 21 points, Kierra Wheeler added 18 and 10 rebounds for No. 19 West Virginia in a 72-40 win over Oklahoma State on Saturday.
Jordan Harrison added 12 for the Mountaineers (22-6, 12-4 Big 12). Cooke knocked down five 3-pointers and Wheeler earned her seventh double-double of the season. West Virginia shot 29 of 57 (51%) from the field as a team, compared to Oklahoma State's 23%.
The Cowgirls (21-8, 10-6) were led by Stailee Heard, who scored 13.
The Mountaineers started the game on an 8-0 run and were leading by double-digits before the first quarter ended. An 18-2 run in the second quarter that saw the Mountaineers drain the last 12 points of the half put them ahead 49-23. West Virginia scored the first six points of the third quarter, extending the run to 24-2.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 19: The sneakers worn by Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 19, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 19: Guard Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena on January 19, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Thunder defeated the Cavaliers 136-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have found themselves staring down a long list of injuries throughout the season. On Sunday, they’ll be on the right side of one of these matchups for once. The Oklahoma City Thunder are unfortunately dealing with a wave of key injuries as the Cavaliers are in town.
The full injury report isn’t out yet. But we know that reigning MVP and Finals MVP Shai-Gilgeous Alexander will be out with an abdominal strain and won’t be re-evaluated until next week. One of SGA’s costars, Jalen Williams, will also miss this game with a hamstring injury.
SGA is averaging 31.8 points per game this season, while Williams is contributing 17.5 points per game.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the new City Edition shirt can be found HERE.
Meanwhile, the Cavs are looking at a relatively clean slate unless something unexpected pops up in the next 18 hours. Max Strus will be out with a foot injury. Other than that, the Cavs strategically rested Evan Mobley on the second night of their back-to-back, presumably with the intention of having him play in Sunday’s matchup.
Injuries favor Cleveland for this one. But that doesn’t mean this game will be easy. The Thunder are still a powerhouse even without two of their biggest stars. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein can anchor an elite defense with players like Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, and Alex Caruso flanking them.
Dort, in particular, has had plenty of success defending Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell is shooting 11-49 in his last three games against the Thunder. Dort is built to withstand Mitchell’s unique combination of speed and strength. Perhaps James Harden’s presence will alleviate some of the pressure this matchup places on Mitchell.
The Thunder don’t have an elite scoring punch with both SGA and J-Dub on the sidelines. But keep an eye out for Jared McCain, whom OKC acquired at the deadline. McCain scored a season-high 21 points off the bench in the Thunder’s recent win against the Brooklyn Nets and is the type of speedy guard that could give the Cavs trouble.
If you’re building your betting card, these are the NBA picks the model likes most for February 21.
Rockets vs Knicks computer picks for February 21
Rockets
Knicks
Durant u24.5 points -115
Brunson u26.5 points -125
Thompson o4.5 assists -150
Anunoby o1.5 3-pointers made -180
Sengun o9.5 rebounds +110
Robinson u7.5 rebounds -115
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Rockets computer picks
Kevin Durant Under 24.5 points (-115)
Projection: 24.4 points
Offensively, the Houston Rockets just haven’t had much juice lately — their 107.0 points per game over the last 20 outings ranks as the second-lowest mark in the league.
They’ve also been playing at the slowest pace in the NBA on the road this season, which really drags games into the mud.
On top of that, the New York Knicks have played at the third-slowest pace at home over their last 10 games. Fewer possessions overall isn’t great news for Kevin Durant, and that tempo setup works against his points prop.
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Amen Thompson Over 4.5 assists (-150)
Projection: 5.0 assists
Amen Thompson has been doing a solid job setting the table lately, clearing this 4.5 assists line in six of his last 10 games. He’s been more comfortable running the offense, pushing the pace when he can, and creating easy looks for teammates rather than forcing his own shot.
With the ball in his hands more and his playmaking confidence growing, he’s consistently putting himself in position to rack up helpers — so this line feels pretty attainable if that trend continues.
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Alperen Şengün Over 9.5 rebounds (+110)
Projection: 8.8 rebounds
Offensive rebounds are basically bonus possessions and more chances to score creates more opportunities for assists. The Rockets have been elite there, leading the league with 15.7 offensive boards per game this season.
That setup should give Alperen Şengün plenty of chances to cash in on the glass.
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Knicks computer picks
Jalen Brunson Under 26.5 points (-125)
Projection: 25.3 points
The New York Knicks have been playing at a crawl offensively at home lately — over their last 10 games, they’ve had the third-slowest pace in the league.
Now they’re facing the Houston Rockets, who play at the slowest pace on the road this season.
Fewer possessions on both sides should mean fewer scoring chances overall, which isn’t exactly the ideal setup for Jalen Brunson to put up one of his usual big offensive nights.
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OG Anunoby Over 1.5 3-pointers made (-180)
Projection: 2 3-pointers made
OG Anunoby has been quietly reliable from deep, clearing this 1.5 made threes line in seven of his last 10 games. He’s getting clean catch-and-shoot looks within the flow of the offense, and he hasn’t needed high volume to cash this number.
With his minutes steady and defenses often focused elsewhere, he keeps finding space on the perimeter. If he knocks down one early, he’s usually in great shape to get that second triple and push this prop Over again.
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Mitchell Robinson Under 7.5 rebounds (-115)
Projection: 7.1 rebounds
Mitchell Robinson has gone Under this 7.5 line in six of his last 10 games, and the trend makes sense when you look at his role. His production tends to come in bursts — mostly off putbacks, lobs, and defensive activity — rather than steady offensive volume.
He’s also not a high-usage option, so if the pace slows down or the offense flows through other scorers, his opportunities can be limited. Unless he piles up extra chances on the glass or gets extended run, this number can be a tough one for him to clear consistently.
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How to watch Rockets vs Knicks tonight
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Rockets
Knicks