Rockets vs. Magic prediction, odds, selection

We’re back to cover the NBA with our predictions and pick series as we look to the next cross-conference. The Houston Rockets (36-21) will download on Orlando Magic (31-26) to close out the season series, Houston leads 1-0. Check out ours NBA odds series for Rockets-Magic prediction and pick.

The Houston Rockets are currently third in the Western Conference, beating the Sacramento Kings 128-97 in the final timeout. They’ve gone a solid 8-4 in their last 12 games and continue to hold a strong position atop the conference, and they’re short-handed favorites in this game.

The Orlando Magic are seventh in the Eastern Conference standings after a 110-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. They have caught themselves hot with six wins in their last eight games but are looking for longer streaks as they look for a third straight victory.

NBA odds thanks to DraftKings

Rockets vs. Magic Odds

Houston Rockets: -1.5 (-110)

Orlando Magic: +1.5 (-110)

Over: 215.5 (-105)

Under: 215.5 (-115)

Rockets vs. Magic Key Injuries

Houston: NOT YET DELIVERED (update coming)

Orlando: Jalen Suggs (Back – Questionable) / Franz Wagner (ankle – OUT)

Rockets vs. Betting Trends Magic

• The Orlando Magic are 17-9 at home this season. The Houston Rockets are 16-14 on the road.
• The Rockets are 32-18 as betting favorites. The Magic are 7-11 as underdogs.
• The Magic went 25-32 ATS overall, 13-15 ATS at home. The Rockets are 25-31 ATS overall, 16-14 ATS on the road.
• Rockets are 7-3 in their last 10 games against the Magic.
• Rockets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games.
• The Magic are 5-1 ATS in the last six games.
• The total is gone UNDER in 15 of Houston’s last 10 games.
• The total is gone OVER in four of Orlando’s last five home games.

Keys to Rockets vs. Magic Matchup

Houston got the best of Orlando during their first meeting, but not without being pushed to overtime at home during a 117-113 victory. Kevin Durant shined with 35 points on 13/24 FG and 7/7 FT while making a clutch play in overtime. He’s been the Rockets’ leading scorer in six of their last nine games, so expect him to have another productive game against this favorable matchup where the Magic are struggling to guard him.

The Magic have been great at home this season, but will certainly feel the absence of their second-leading scorer (21.3 PPG) Franz Wagner. Desmond Bane has had to step up in situations without Wagner this season, averaging 30.7 PPG over his last three starts. He will be a big part of the Rockets’ spread defense and will be a threat for the Magic from behind the arc.

Still, the Rockets have gotten their money’s worth from the free throw line this season thanks to aggressive play inside Alperen Sengun. He’s been a consistent force in frustrating opposing players, so expect him to attack the basket early with his post moves and fakes. Jabari Smith Jr. had a huge 31-point outburst just two games ago against the Jazz, so expect him to be the key to their offensive success Paolo Banchero likewise.

Banchero will be the focal point of the Magic’s offense and they will need him as a rebounding force as well. The key for the Magic to even this series at home will be to avoid foul trouble and work on their mid-range scoring through Buncher and from beyond the arc through Bane.

Rockets vs. Magic Prediction and Pick

This should be another close encounter between these two teams as the first game needed overtime to finally be decided. Expect Kevin Durant to look great in this game with Franz Wagner out of the lineup. Furthermore, we have to give the edge to the Rockets as both Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun played some of their best basketball in recent memory.

However, the same can be said for Orlando’s Desmond Bain, who was on a complete tear and scored the ball. If both he and Banchero can lead a balanced scoring attack, they should be able to win this game at home. Amen Thompson of the Rockets will be integral to stopping Bain and making sure Houston doesn’t fall behind on the three ball.

For our final pick, we’ll play the Houston Rockets to get this win on the road in what should be a back-to-back game.

Final Rockets-Magic Prediction & Pick: Houston Rockets -1.5 (-110); OVER 215.5 (-105)