PREVIEW: The Houston Rockets arrive at Madison Square Garden ranked 29th in pace and 30th in three-point attempt frequency, showcasing an offense built around mid-range attacks and post-ups rather than perimeter shooting. Meanwhile, the Knicks boast elite three-point shooting efficiency and rank third in limiting quality three-point opportunities on defense, presenting a fundamental clash in offensive philosophies. Houston enters this matchup on a five-game road winning streak, seeking to extend their momentum against a Knicks team fighting to stay relevant in the Eastern Conference race. The Rockets' 32.2% offensive rebounding rate ranks first league-wide, providing them second-chance opportunities that could prove critical in a close contest. New York counters with poor defensive rebounding at the bottom of the league and struggles defensively against volume three-point attempts, having allowed 44.3% of opponent shots from deep. Houston's 16-13 road record shows vulnerability away from home, though the team arrives fresh off a thrilling victory over Charlotte. The Knicks remain formidable at home with a 21-8 record while allowing just 112.1 points per game, seventh-best in the NBA defensively. With Houston's turnover-heavy isolation-heavy style ranked 29th in passing efficiency squared against New York's superior ball movement, this matchup features two squads with dramatically different approaches to winning basketball.