Houston Rockets vs Orlando Magic Prediction 2/26/2026 Today’s NBA Picks

The Orlando Magic play host to the Houston Rockets at the Kia Center on Thursday night.

Houston Rockets Betting Preview 

The Houston Rockets have been in great shape as they’ve won five of their last seven games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight victory after making light work of the lowly Kings in a 128-97 win last night. Reed Sheppard led the team with 28 points, Alperen Sengun tallied a triple-double of 26 points with 13 rebounds and 11 assists on nine of 13 shooting while Kevin Durant chipped in with 21 points and five assists. As a team, the Rockets shot 55 percent from the field and 17 of 39 from the 3-point line as they swarmed the Kings from the start and exploded for 44 points in the second quarter to take a 27-point lead into halftime and they didn’t ease off the gas until the lead swelled to 36 points. 

Orlando Magic Betting Preview 

Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic have been in great shape as they’ve won six of their last eight games overall and they will be eager to keep it going after sneaking past the Lakers in a thrilling 110-109 road win on Tuesday. Poalo Banchero led the team with 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists on 12 of 22 shooting, Desmond Bane added 22 points with six assists while Wendell Carter Jr chipped in with 20 points and 11 rebounds on nine of 13 shooting. As a team, the Magic shot 46 percent from the field and seven of 29 from the 3-point line as they struggled to contain the Lakers early on and fell behind by 12 points, but they fought so hard all game to stay within striking distance until just 35.4 seconds left in the fourth quarter where Desmond Bane drained the game winner to carry the team over the line. 

Houston v Orlando Free Prediction

The Rockets are still missing Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, Amen Thompson and Dorian Finney-Smith, while the Magic have ruled out Franz Wagner with Jalen Suggs listed as questionable. These teams have already met once this season with the Rockets winning by 117-113 in overtime back on Nov 16, so we can expect another close contest in this meeting. The Rockets enter with plenty of winning momentum, but they are playing on zero days’ rest following last night’s big win over the Kings which opens the door slightly for the Magic to get their revenge and pull off the upset if they are good enough. You can make an argument for either side, but while I’m tempted to take the Rockets at the short line, I will lean towards the Magic to pull off the upset at home in this spot.

Peter Tran's Pick: Orlando +2.5