The Houston Rockets (36-21) and Orlando Magic (31-26) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from the Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. The game will broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.
The Rockets are 2.5-point favorites over the Magic on the spread (Rockets -2.5), with the over/under set at 216 total points. Houston is a -140 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Orlando is +120 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Rockets vs. Magic predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, February 26.
Rockets vs Magic Prediction
- Rockets vs Magic pick: Magic +2.5 (-110)
My Rockets vs Magic best bet is on Orlando to cover the spread at +2.5. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Rockets vs Magic Odds
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 216 -110o / -110u | -140 |
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 216 -110o / -110u | +120 |
If you want to trade on Rockets vs. Magic at Kalshi, sign up using our Kalshi promo code. This prediction market app is legal in most states and offers a variety of unique markets beyond the NBA.
Rockets vs Magic NBA Preview
The Magic are in the midst of trying to break out of their worst slump of the season right now.
After closing the month of January with an ugly 2-6 skid, the Magic are now 6-2 in their last eight games dating back to February 5 — and they finally return home tonight after playing four straight road games, in which they posted a solid 3-1 record in.
Meanwhile, the Rockets are positioned 3rd in the Western Conference standings with a record of 36-21 on the season. However, the Rockets are only 5-4 in their last nine games.
Plus, the Magic will be catching Houston on the second half of a back-to-back following a quick flight, as the Rockets managed to beat the Kings by a score of 128-97 at home last night and will now face the Magic in Orlando tonight.
Rockets vs Magic Predictions, Betting Analysis
Magic +2.5
Our model projects the spread for this matchup at Rockets -1.4, giving us a slight 1.6% edge against the current line of Rockets -2.5, which is good enough to give the Magic +2.5 a C-grade in our database.
The Rockets will hit the road for Orlando tonight after beating the Kings in Houston yesterday.
The Rockets may be the better overall team in this matchup, and they have also been in better form since the calendar turn to 2026.
However, we still think the value lies with the Magic to cover the spread in this spot.
Wendell Carter Over 7.5 Rebounds
Action PRO is projecting 9.04 rebounds for Wendell Carter in the Magic's matchup against the Rockets tonight, presenting an 18.6% edge against his current rebounds prop line of over/under 7.5, which is strong enough for an A-grade in our database.
This one is pretty simple.
Carter has recorded 8+ rebounds in six straight games for the Magic, with four of those performances ringing in at 11+ rebounds.
You could also consider climbing the ladder and backing Carter to grab 10+ rebounds (+230) or 11+ rebounds (+360) at DraftKings.
Desmond Bane Over 19.5 Points
Action PRO is projecting 21.79 points for Desmond Bane in Orlando's matchup against Houston tonight, showing a 17.3% edge against his current points prop line of over/under 19.5, which is good enough for an A-grade in our database.
We are also going to try to avoid overthinking this one.
Bane has scored 20+ points in eight of his last 10 games for the Magic, while hitting 25+ points in four of those contests and hitting 30+ points in two of them.
You could also consider sprinkling on Bane to score 25+ points (+260) or 30+ points (+720) at DraftKings.
Rockets vs Magic Best Bets
- Magic +2.5 (-110)
- Wendell Carter Over 7.5 Rebounds (+100)
- Desmond Bane Over 19.5 Points (-115)
Spread
My first Magic vs Rockets betting prediction is on Orlando to cover the spread at +2.5.
Moneyline
No play on the moneyline in tonight's matchup.
Over/Under
We will also be taking a pair of player prop Overs in this spot.
