The Houston Rockets (44-25) and Orlando Magic (32-37) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. The game will be broadcast live on SCHN.
The Rockets are 2-point favorites over the Magic on the spread (Rockets -2), with the over/under set at 208.5 total points. Houston is a -130 favorite to win outright, while Orlando is +110 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Rockets vs. Magic predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, March 19.
Rockets vs. Magic Picks, Prediction
Spread
My Rockets vs. Magic best bet is on Orlando to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at Fanatics. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Over/Under
I'm steering clear of the total in tonight's matchup.
My Pick: Magic +2
Rockets vs Magic Odds
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -112 | 208.5 -112o / -108u | -130 |
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -108 | 208.5 -112o / -108u | +110 |
- Rockets vs. Magic spread: Rockets -2
- Rockets vs. Magic over/under: 208.5 points
- Rockets vs. Magic moneyline: Rockets -130, Magic +110
- Rockets vs. Magic best bet: Magic +2
Rockets vs. Magic NBA Wednesday Preview
Houston enters the matchup with a 44-25 record and has been one of the NBA's biggest surprises this season under head coach Ime Udoka. The Rockets have not made a postseason appearance since 2020, but currently hold the second seed in the Western Conference. They trail the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder by 12.5 games.
The Rockets looks to extend their winning streak to seven games, with their last loss coming on March 4th against the Indiana Pacers. Jalen Green leads the team in scoring with 21.4 points per game, while big man Alperen Sengun has enjoyed a strong season, averaging 19.1 points and 10.5 rebounds. Veteran guard Fred VanVleet contributes 14.1 points and 5.7 assists per game. As a team, the Rockets are putting up an average of 113.7 points per game.
Orlando, on the other hand, enters the contest with a 32-37 record in what has been a disappointing campaign. Last season, the Magic finished 47-35, securing the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. However, since 2013, they have only made the postseason three times.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley’s squad currently sits eighth in the East, trailing the final playoff spot by six games. The Magic have struggled recently, going 3-7 in their last ten games.
Paolo Banchero has been the Magic’s top performer, leading the team with 25.1 points per game. Franz Wagner has been outstanding as well, averaging 24.3 points and 4.7 assists, while Jalen Suggs has contributed 16.2 points and 3.7 assists per contest. As a team, Orlando is averaging 104.6 points per game.
Best Bet: Magic +2
Rockets vs. Magic Predictions
Orlando Magic +2
We’re backing the home underdog in this spot. Orlando has played its best basketball on its home floor this season, boasting an 18-16 record. Meanwhile, the Rockets could be due for some regression, making this a favorable position for the Magic.
Paolo Banchero 8+ Rebounds
The former Duke standout has been thriving in this category, hitting this prop in each of his last three games and in seven straight overall. The game’s pace should create plenty of rebounding opportunities for him.
Fred VanVleet 12+ Points
Despite averaging 14.1 points per game this season, VanVleet has been quiet in March, posting just 9.4 points per contest. However, he will return to form sooner rather than later and is in a strong position to exceed this number tonight.
Parlay Payout: +500
Magic vs Rockets Betting Trends
