If you’re checking the scores and trying to figure out who won the Houston game today, you've probably noticed there's a lot of action coming out of H-Town right now. Between the Rockets clawing their way through a tough NBA stretch and the Texans making serious noise in the NFL playoffs, it’s a wild time to be a Houston fan. Honestly, keeping track of which team played when can be a bit of a headache with the schedule overlaps.
The Rockets Edge Out Minnesota in a Thriller
The big news for anyone tracking the NBA is that the Houston Rockets just secured a massive win at the Toyota Center. They faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, January 16, 2026, and walked away with a tight 110-105 victory. If you missed the ending, it was a nail-biter.
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Kevin Durant was basically unstoppable. He dropped 39 points, which is a season-high for him, and looked like the superstar the Rockets need him to be if they’re going to make a real run this year. He knocked down six 3-pointers, which is kinda crazy considering he went 0-for-5 from deep in the previous game against OKC. Talk about a bounce-back.
Alperen Sengun was also huge. He finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds. The guy just has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, though things got a little dicey when he fouled out late in the fourth quarter. Minnesota tried to make a run behind Julius Randle—who also had 39 points—but Durant’s clutch free throws in the final 22 seconds iced it.
Why This Rockets Win Matters
- Standings Jump: The Rockets improved to 24-15.
- Confidence Boost: They needed this after getting blown out by Oklahoma City.
- Depth: Even with Sengun out late, the team held its ground.
Texans Playoff Fever: What Happened to the Steelers?
While the Rockets were handling business on the court, the city is still buzzing from what the Houston Texans did in the NFL Wild Card round. They absolutely dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 30-6 score.
It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. This was the first road playoff win in the history of the franchise. Think about that for a second. Twenty-four years of football and they finally broke the road curse in the most dominant way possible. C.J. Stroud was efficient, but honestly, the defense won this game.
Sheldon Rankins had a 33-yard fumble return for a touchdown after Will Anderson Jr. basically teleported into the backfield to strip Aaron Rodgers. Then Calen Bullock put the cherry on top with a 50-yard pick-six. It was one of those games where everything just clicked for DeMico Ryans' squad.
The Texans are now officially moving on to the Divisional Round. They’re scheduled to face the New England Patriots this Sunday. If you're looking for the "game today" and it's Saturday, you’re likely seeing the pre-game hype for that massive matchup in Foxborough.
Houston Cougars and the College Scene
On the college side of things, the No. 7 ranked Houston Cougars men's basketball team has been on a tear. Their last outing was a 77-48 demolition of West Virginia. Milos Uzan has really stepped up as a leader for Kelvin Sampson’s group, putting up 17 points in that contest.
The Cougars are currently 16-1 and look like a lock for a deep March Madness run. They play Arizona State next, and the expectations are sky-high. Houston’s defense is giving up almost nothing in the paint, which is becoming a nightmare for Big 12 opponents.
Summary of Recent Houston Scores
| Team | Opponent | Result | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | Minnesota Timberwolves | Win | 110-105 |
| Houston Texans | Pittsburgh Steelers | Win | 30-6 |
| Houston Cougars (M) | West Virginia | Win | 77-48 |
| Houston Cougars (W) | Utah Utes | Loss | 61-71 |
The only real "downer" in the recent slate was the women's basketball team falling to Utah, but even in that game, they showed a lot of heart in the second half.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Houston Fans?
If you're wondering who won the Houston game today, the most recent "win" you're likely hearing about is the Rockets' victory over Minnesota or the Texans' historic playoff triumph. The momentum in Houston sports right now is palpable.
The next big thing to watch is definitely the Texans vs. Patriots game on Sunday. The odds are tight, and playing in New England in January is never easy, but this Texans defense is playing at an elite level.
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For the Rockets, they need to keep this energy going as they navigate a crowded Western Conference. Kevin Durant finding his rhythm from the perimeter changes their entire offensive ceiling. If Sengun can stay out of foul trouble, they are a nightmare matchup for anyone.
Keep an eye on the injury reports, especially for the Texans as they head into the Divisional Round. Nico Collins left the last game for a concussion evaluation, and his status is going to be a major factor in how they attack the Patriots' secondary.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the final injury report for Nico Collins before Sunday's kickoff.
- Tune in to the Rockets' next matchup to see if Durant can maintain his shooting streak.
- Clear your schedule for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET for the Texans game on ABC/ESPN.