New York Knicks vs Houston Rockets. Image via: Getty Images
The New York Knicks (48-27) will face the Houston Rockets (45-29) at the Toyota Center on March 31, 2026. This game comes late in the season and could affect playoff seeding for both teams.
Both sides are in good positions, but every win still matters at this stage.The Knicks have been steady through the season and rely on a strong core group. The Rockets have also improved and built momentum with their young players. Injuries and depth could play a role in how this game goes.
New York Knicks vs Houston Rockets injury report : full player status breakdown (March 31, 2026)
New York Knicks injury report (March 31, 2026)
The Knicks have four players listed on the injury report. One player is out, while three are uncertain.Out • Landry Shamet (G): Knee contusion – expected to return around April 1Questionable • Miles McBride (G): Pelvic/core muscle strain; recovering from surgery and listed as a game-time decision • Ariel Hukporti (C): On G-League assignment; not expected to play unless recalled • Dillon Jones (F): Two-way/G-League status; not a guaranteed part of the rotationIf McBride plays, the Knicks will have most of their main rotation available.
The team will depend on Jalen Brunson along with Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson, and guards like Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek.
Houston Rockets injury report (March 31, 2026)
Houston has fewer short-term injuries but is still missing two important players for the season.
New York Knicks vs Houston Rockets (Image via Getty)
Out • Fred VanVleet (G): Torn ACL from September 2025 – out for the season • Steven Adams (C): Left ankle surgery – out with no clear return dateG-League / non-rotation • Isaiah Crawford (F): On G-League assignment • Tristen Newton (G): On G-League assignmentThe Rockets will rely on their current core players for this game.
New York Knicks vs Houston Rockets Updated 2026 rotations: key players expected to feature
New York Knicks rotation (last 10 games)
• Jalen Brunson (G): 26.2 ppg, 6.6 apg; leads the offense • Karl-Anthony Towns (C): 20+ ppg, 12 rpg; strong inside and can shoot • OG Anunoby (F): Around 20 ppg with solid defense • Mikal Bridges (F/G): Reliable scorer and defender • Josh Hart (G): Energy player who rebounds and passes • Mitchell Robinson (C): Protects the rim • Landry Shamet (G): 9.6 ppg shooter (out for this game) • Miles McBride (G): Backup guard; status uncertain
Houston Rockets rotation (2025-26 core)
• Alperen Sengun (C): 25.9 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 6.2 apg; main offensive player • Reed Sheppard (G): Around 18-20 ppg and 6+ apg • Jabari Smith Jr. (F): Can shoot and rebound • Amen Thompson (G): Athletic and can create plays • Josh Okogie (G): Strong defender • Dorian Finney-Smith (F): Helps with defense and spacing • Tari Eason (F): Brings energy and defenseWith VanVleet and Adams out, Houston depends more on Sengun and Sheppard.
New York Knicks vs Houston Rockets Head-to-head recap and current form
This is the second and final meeting between the two teams this season. The Knicks won the first game 108-106 after coming back from an 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter.Karl-Anthony Towns scored 25 points in that game. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby added 20 points each.The Knicks are 48-27, while the Rockets are 45-29. Both teams are in playoff positions, but seeding is still open.
Team stats comparison: New York Knicks vs Houston Rockets (2025-26)
| Category | New York Knicks (NYK) | Houston Rockets (HOU) |
| Points per game | ~116.1 ppg | ~116.0 ppg |
| Rebounds per game | ~44.8 rpg | ~44.0 rpg |
| Assists per game | ~27.8 apg | ~25.5 apg |
| Turnovers per game | ~14.0 | ~15.2 |
| 3-point rate (FGA %) | Moderate (~40%) | Slightly higher |
The Knicks rely on ball movement and Brunson’s control in pick-and-roll plays.
The Rockets often run their offense through Sengun and use faster guard actions with Sheppard.
Key matchups that could decide the game
Jalen Brunson vs Reed Sheppard
Brunson carries more scoring responsibility and experience. Sheppard is quicker and can shoot well. This matchup could shape the game.
Karl-Anthony Towns vs Alperen Sengun
Both big men are key to their teams. They can score, pass, and stretch the floor. Their battle will be important.
Knicks wings vs Rockets perimeter players
Houston’s guards and wings can attack and shoot. The Knicks need to stay solid on defense to control them.Game time, broadcast details, and stakesThe game starts at 8:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Toyota Center. It will be shown on NBC/Peacock, with local coverage on MSG and Rockets radio.The Knicks want to hold their place near the top of the East. The Rockets are trying to move higher in the West.The Knicks come in slightly healthier and may have the edge. Still, if Sengun controls the inside and Sheppard sets the pace, the Rockets can win at home.
