Orlando Magic vs Houston Rockets Prediction and Betting Preview
SportsMemo content contributor Kyle Kargel gives his prediction on tonight’s Orlando Magic vs Houston Rockets showdown on Friday, February 25. At the time of posting, the home Magic have opened as a 4-point home favorite over the road Rockets, with the total sitting at 232.5 points.
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Friday, February 25 | NBA Betting Notes |
---|---|
Point Spread: | Orlando Magic -4 vs Houston Rockets |
Total: | 232.5 Points |
Game Time: | 7:00pm ET / 4:00pm PT |
Arena: | Amway Center in Orlando, FL |
TV: | Bally Sports Florida |
Orlando Magic vs Houston Rockets Preview
Tonight in the NBA we have a battle of the cellar dwellers in each conference as the Magic and Rockets do battle in Orlando. The Magic have lost four straight and the Rockets have been worse as of late losing seven straight so the all-star break couldn’t have come at a better time for these two.
Both the Magic and Rockets are likely heading towards a top five draft pick heading into the off-season but we still have a month and a half to go.
The Magic aren’t going to play in many more games this season where they’re the favorite but in this one they’re favored by four with the over/under sitting at 232.5. Each team is practically at full-strength so let’s see where we can find some betting angles.
Rockets Reeling on Defense
A reason why the Rockets are underdogs in this one is because of their league worst defense allowing over 118 points per game. So if and when they win games it’s due to their offense.
They rank in the top ten in the league in three pointers made per game led by Garrison Matthews, Kevin Porter Jr. and Eric Gordon.
Christian Wood and second overall pick Jalen Green have been the biggest point producers game to game for the Rockets with Wood specifically averaging a double double with rebounds on the season.
The Rockets have a problem taking care of the ball as they rank dead last in turnovers per game with 16+. Houston will have a big problem in this one if they can’t find a way to take care of the ball as their offense will have to put up at least 120 if they want a chance to win this one.
Magic Making Most of Future
The Magic seem to have a more established young core than the Rockets as rookies Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs have impressed so far.
They both rank in the top 7 in rookie scoring per game and top 6 in assists per game. They also have a second year star on their hands in Cole Anthony who averages five more points per game, two assists per game and one rebound per game more than his rookie season.
You add in big men Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. and you have a solid outlook of your future for the next 5-10 years. The last time these two met in Houston the Magic took the loss 118-116.
Both teams know the other is young and although these two don’t have anything to play for, bragging rights among the younger guys may be at stake.
Orlando Magic vs Houston Rockets Prediction
With how bad these two defenses are and with the over hitting by a mile the last time these two met I’m going to roll with the over 232.5 points.
Each team has had some time off now to rest and being at full strength I see the buckets pouring in from both sides.
I wouldn’t be confident in taking either team here tonight as it’s practically a coin flip. So, let’s go with what we know. Two bad defenses equals tons of scoring. Don’t be surprised if both squads go over 120 in this one.
Prediction: Over 232.5
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Orlando Magic vs Houston Rockets Notes from GoldSheet
NBA Stat Sheet
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