| MATCHUP | Houston Rockets | Orlando Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 36-21 | 31-26 |
| Spread | -1.5 -118 | +1.5 -102 |
| Moneyline | -142 | +120 |
| Total | Over 216.5 (-105) | Under 216.5 (-115) |
| Where | Kia Center, Orlando, FL | |
| When | Thursday, February 26, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EST | |
| TV | Prime Video | |
The Orlando Magic play host to the Houston Rockets at the Kia Center on Thursday night. Here’s a Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic prediction. This article will include a Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic pick.
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 Şengün 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. Paolo 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 were left in the fourth quarter, when Desmond Bane drained the game winner to carry the team over the line.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The Rockets have lost seven of their last nine games as road favorites following a win.
- The Magic have won each of their last four night games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games as road favorites following a win.
- The Magic have covered the spread in each of their last four games against Western Conference opponents.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won each of their last eight road games against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Magic have lost each of their last seven night games against Southwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four home games when playing with a rest advantage.
- The road team has covered the spread in six of the Magic’s last seven games.
Total Points: Facts
- Each of the Magic’s last six home games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Rockets’ last five night games on the second leg of a back-to-back has gone UNDER the total points line.
Orlando Magic Player Facts
- Paolo Banchero is one of only four qualified players in the league to be leading their team in points (21.8), rebounds (8.5) and assists (5.0) per game this season.
- Anthony Black ranks 7th in the league for fast break points (204) this season.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Kevin Durant ranks 11th amongst qualified players for points per game (25.8) this season.
- Jabari Smith Jr. ranks 14th in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for blocks per game (1.0) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Magic rank second in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (11.8).
- The Magic rank second in the league for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (33.1).
- The Rockets have suffered the largest comeback loss from an HT lead this season—led by 22 points @ Pelicans on December 18.
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for Q1 opponent points per game this season (26.4).
Houston Rockets vs Orlando Magic 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.