Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET
Venue: Kia Center, Orlando, FL
TV/Streaming: Amazon Prime Video (national), SCHN / Space City Home Network (Rockets local)
Game Context
A cross-conference playoff-position battle features two hot teams fighting for seeding in their respective conferences. The Rockets sit 3rd in the West and are rolling with elite defense and balanced scoring. The Magic are 7th in the East, playing their best basketball of the season after a strong 3-1 West Coast trip capped by a clutch homecoming win. This is the second meeting of the season—the Rockets took the first in Houston 117-113 in overtime on November (date approximate from series notes). Houston has won the last four head-to-head matchups overall. Rockets are on the second night of a back-to-back and the start of a three-game East Coast road trip.
Injury Report
Houston Rockets
- Out: Fred VanVleet (right knee ACL repair – season), Steven Adams (left ankle surgery – season), Jae’Sean Tate (right knee sprain – out at least through early March), Tari Eason (out – unspecified), Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle / injury management – missed recent games).
- GTD / Day-to-Day: Amen Thompson (left quad tendinitis).
Orlando Magic
- Out: Franz Wagner (left ankle – high ankle sprain / injury management; expected back in March).
- Questionable: Jalen Suggs (back strain).
- Colin Castleton (thumb) also sidelined in recent reports.
Magic are relatively fresh (no B2B); Rockets will lean on depth with key pieces unavailable.
Probable Starting Lineups
Houston Rockets
- PG: Reed Sheppard (or backup guard rotation)
- SG: Kevin Durant / Dillon Brooks rotation
- SF: Jabari Smith Jr.
- PF: Amen Thompson (if active) or forward rotation
- C: Alperen Şengün
Orlando Magic
- PG: Jalen Suggs (if active) or backup
- SG: Desmond Bane
- SF: Paolo Banchero
- PF: Wendell Carter Jr. / Jonathan Isaac rotation
- C: Wendell Carter Jr. (or frontcourt mix)
Key bench contributors: Rockets – Reed Sheppard (explosive recently), Jabari Smith Jr.; Magic – potential Suggs boost, Cole Anthony, etc.
Recent Team Form
Rockets (36-21): 6-4 in last 10, W2 streak. Dominated Sacramento 128-97 on Wednesday (Reed Sheppard led with 28 points). Houston boasts the league’s top defense (allowing ~109.1 PPG) and a +5.2 net rating. Road record: 16-14. They are 20-7 at home but now face travel fatigue on B2B.
Magic (31-26): 6-4 in last 10, W2 streak. Beat Clippers then edged Lakers 110-109 on Tuesday in LA (Paolo Banchero dropped 36 points in a comeback win). Home record: 17-9. Orlando is 13-15 on the road but has looked dangerous at Kia Center lately, especially in close games. Season scoring: 115.1 PPG (solid offense) but defense has been inconsistent without Wagner.
Season averages:
- Rockets: 114.7 PPG scored, 109.1 PPG allowed (+5.6 net)
- Magic: 115.1 PPG scored, 114.6 PPG allowed (+0.5 net)
Key Player Matchups
- Alperen Şengün (Rockets) vs. Wendell Carter Jr. / Magic frontcourt: Şengün’s elite passing (6.4 APG), scoring (20.5 PPG), and rebounding (9.2 RPG) will test Orlando’s interior. Magic must limit his paint touches.
- Kevin Durant (Rockets) vs. Paolo Banchero / Magic wings: Durant (25.8 PPG) provides elite scoring and spacing. Banchero (clutch performer, 36 pts Tuesday) is Orlando’s alpha—expect isolation battles and help defense from Jabari Smith Jr./Dillon Brooks.
- Reed Sheppard / Rockets guards vs. Desmond Bane / Jalen Suggs (if plays): Sheppard’s hot shooting (recent 28-pt outburst, 39%+ from three) vs. Bane’s scoring punch. If Suggs returns, it bolsters Magic perimeter defense and playmaking.
- Amen Thompson (GTD) impact: If active, his league-leading steals (1.5 SPG) and athleticism disrupt Magic transition and help defense.
Series History
Rockets lead recent series 4-0, including the 2025-26 season opener (117-113 OT win in Houston). Orlando has not beaten Houston since before the current streak. Games tend to be competitive but lean toward the Rockets’ superior depth and defense.
Betting Trends
- Over has hit in 10 of the last 16 head-to-head meetings (5 of last 7 in Orlando).
- Over is 4-1 in Magic’s last five home games.
- Both teams’ recent games have pushed totals (Rockets last two overs; November H2H hit 230 points).
- Rockets are strong favorites on the road in winnable spots but B2B travel adds slight caution.
Game Odds
Houston Rockets – 2.5
Orlando Magic 215.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026
