The Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic meet Thursday in NBA action at the Kia Center. Here’s a Magic vs. Rockets prediction. This article will include a Magic vs. Rockets pick.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets beat the Jazz and Kings, and they play the Heat next. The Rockets have won 3 of their last 4 games.
The Houston Rockets are averaging 114.5 points on 47.3 percent shooting and allowing 109.4 points on 45.6 percent shooting. Kevin Durant is averaging 25.9 points and 5.4 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 20.3 points and 9.1 rebounds. Amen Thompson is the third double-digit scorer, and Jabari Smith Jr. is grabbing 7 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc and 75.8 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 34.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 48.5 rebounds per game.
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
The Orlando Magic beat the Clippers and Lakers, and they play the Pistons next. The Magic have won 6 of their last 8 games.
The Orlando Magic are averaging 115.1 points on 46.3 percent shooting and allowing 114.6 points on 47.7 percent shooting. Paolo Banchero is averaging 21.5 points and 5 assists, while Franz Wagner is averaging 21.3 points and 5.8 rebounds. Desmond Bane is the third double-digit scorer, and Anthony Black is grabbing 4 rebounds. The Orlando Magic are shooting 34.4 percent from beyond the arc and 79.8 percent from the free-throw line. The Orlando Magic are allowing 35.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.5 rebounds per game.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The Rockets have lost five of their last six games as road favorites on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Magic have won three of their last four games as home underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games as favorites following a win.
- The Magic have covered the spread in each of their last four games.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won each of their last nine games against Southeast Division opponents following a win.
- The Magic have lost each of their last seven games against Southwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games when playing with a rest advantage.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of the Magic’s last five games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Magic’s last six games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Rockets’ last five games on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
Magic vs Rockets Injury Report
The Magic will be without Franz Wagner. Jalen Suggs is questionable.
The Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jae’Sean Tate, and Steven Adams.
Magic vs Rockets Prediction
I’ve bashed the Magic a lot this season, and the Rockets are the more talented team in this spot. However, we’re getting a free bucket with the rested Magic at home. While the Magic have underachieved, they’ve still won 6 of their last 8 games, and they’re 17-9 SU at home. The Rockets have 14 road losses and have been no stranger to hiccups here and there. When these teams met back in November, it went into overtime. It feels like the value in this spot is with the magic and the free bucket. I’ll take it.