The Utah Jazz travel to Houston to take on the Rockets for a Western Conference matchup between two young teams looking to build momentum as the 2025–26 season enters its final stretch. Utah’s rebuild has accelerated behind rising star Ace Bailey, who has quickly become the focal point of the offense alongside standout Cody Williams.
Houston, meanwhile, has reshaped its identity around future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant and All‑Star center Alperen Şengün. Durant’s arrival has elevated the Rockets’ offensive ceiling, giving them a reliable late‑game scorer and a stabilizing veteran presence. With both teams fighting for position in a crowded Western Conference, tonight’s matchup carries meaningful implications.
Game Details
Date: February 23, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas
TV/Streaming: AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass
Odds: Rockets -4.5 | O/U 231 | HOU -180 ML
Team Form & Recent Results
Utah Jazz Recent Form
Utah has won three of its last five, led by Ace Bailey’s scoring versatility. Cody Williams continues to provide length, defense, and transition scoring. Utah’s offense has been inconsistent at times, but its defensive effort has improved significantly in February.
Houston Rockets Recent Form
Houston has gone 4–1 in its last five, powered by Kevin Durant’s efficient scoring and Alperen Şengün’s dominance in the post. Jabari Smith Jr. has been consistent on both ends, as the Rockets have averaged 121 points over their last five games.
Key Storylines
- Ace Bailey vs. Kevin Durant: A rising star meets one of the greatest scorers of all time.
- Şengün’s Playmaking: Utah must find ways to disrupt Houston’s offense through the post.
- Utah’s Youth Movement: Bailey, Collier, and Cody Williams form one of the league’s most intriguing young cores.
- Houston’s Veteran Leadership: Durant’s presence has stabilized the Rockets in close games.
Players to Watch
Utah Jazz
- Ace Bailey: 22–24 PPG, elite athleticism, and shot creation.
- Cody Williams: Defensive versatility and transition threat.
- Isaiah Collier: Powerful guard who brings downhill pressure and secondary playmaking.
Houston Rockets
- Kevin Durant: 25–27 PPG, elite shot‑making and late‑game reliability.
- Alperen Şengün: 21–23 PPG, elite post play, and passing for a center.
- Jabari Smith Jr.: Two‑way forward with shooting and defensive versatility.
Matchup Breakdown
Offense vs. Defense
Houston’s offense has been one of the most efficient in the West this month, driven by Durant’s scoring gravity and Şengün’s playmaking. Utah will need disciplined perimeter defense and strong rotations to slow down Houston’s spacing attack.
Utah’s offense now runs through Ace Bailey’s shot creation. Isaiah Collier adds physicality and rim pressure, giving Utah another creator who can challenge Houston’s perimeter defenders.
Coaching / Strategy Notes
Will Hardy will likely emphasize slowing the pace and forcing Houston into half‑court sets, where Utah’s defense has been more effective. Houston coach Ime Udoka will push tempo, attack mismatches through Şengün, and rely on Durant’s shot‑making to break open runs.
Prediction
Rockets 120, Jazz 113
Houston’s home‑court advantage, Durant’s scoring reliability, and Şengün’s interior play give them the edge. Utah keeps it competitive behind Bailey’s scoring and Collier’s physicality, but the Rockets’ offensive depth should carry them late.
How to Watch
TV/Local Broadcasts: AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, Space City Home Network
Streaming: NBA League Pass
Radio: KZNS 1280 AM (UTA), KBME 790 AM (HOU)
FAQ
Q: What time is the Jazz vs. Rockets game? A: Tip‑off is at 8:00 PM ET.
Q: Who is favored to win? A: The Rockets are favored at -4.5.
Q: Where is the game being played? A: At the Toyota Center in Houston.
Q: What are the betting odds? A: Rockets -4.5, Jazz +4.5, O/U 231.
