The Houston Rockets started January strong, boasting one of the NBA’s best home records with 16 wins in their first 19 games at the Toyota Center. However, their momentum has stalled, having dropped three of their last four home games. Currently sitting at 32-19, the Rockets have an opportunity to regain their footing in back-to-back home games against the Los Angeles Clippers, who are 25-27 on the season. The first game is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. Although Houston recently lost home matches to the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets, they hold a three-game winning streak over the Clippers at the Toyota Center, including a narrow 115-113 victory in December.
The Clippers launched a four-game road trip with consecutive wins against the Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves and have claimed victory in four of their last five away games. Still, they have not beaten the Rockets in Houston since a 122-116 win on March 6, 2024.
Tuesday’s NBA slate also features just three other games, including a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off at Madison Square Garden between the struggling Indiana Pacers (13-40) and the surging New York Knicks (34-19). The Knicks have won nine of their last ten outings, although the Pacers managed a close 114-113 home victory over New York earlier this season.
College basketball fans can look forward to 22 games, highlighted by an ACC clash at 9 p.m. ET between No. 4 Duke (21-2) and host Pittsburgh (9-15) at the Petersen Events Center. Duke aims to rebound from a 71-68 loss to the then-No. 1 team, which ended their 10-game winning streak. Another significant matchup is a Big 12 Conference game as 22nd-ranked BYU (17-6) visits Baylor (13-10) in Waco, Texas, at 7 p.m. ET. BYU hopes to bounce back after a 77-66 defeat against the top-ranked Cougars.
Current betting odds favor the Rockets by 7.5 points over the Clippers, the Knicks by 12.5 over the Pacers, Duke by 17.5 points against Pittsburgh, and BYU by 3.5 points over Baylor.
Key NBA games to watch on Tuesday, February 10 include:
Pacers vs. Knicks
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: New York
- TV: NBA League Pass
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
Experts predict a total score exceeding 225.5 points, noting past high-scoring contests between these teams. Knicks newcomer Jose Alvarado, who scored 12 points and added two assists in his debut, is expected to deliver a strong home performance.
Clippers vs. Rockets
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Houston
- TV: NBA TV
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
Both teams rank low in offensive stats but strong in defense. Recent high-scoring games suggest this matchup could easily exceed the projected total of 212.5 points.
College basketball highlights:
BYU at Baylor
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Waco, Texas
- TV: ESPN2
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
Models show Baylor covering the spread 56% of the time, despite their struggles against ranked opponents this season. Experts anticipate a high-scoring game due to BYU’s defensive vulnerabilities in conference play.
Duke at Pittsburgh
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Pittsburgh
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
With Duke averaging 83.4 points per game and Cameron Boozer second nationally with 23.3 points per game, this contest is expected to be high-scoring. Duke looks to rebound after their first loss in eleven games and face a Pittsburgh team coming off two heavy defeats.
Fan Take:
This upcoming slate of games showcases the intensity of NBA and college basketball as playoff pushes and conference races heat up. For fans, these matchups not only highlight players’ resilience and tactical adjustments but also offer exciting betting opportunities and a glimpse at the sport’s evolving competitiveness.
