The Houston Rockets (39-23) will be at home in the Toyota Center when they take on the Orlando Magic (28-35). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8, 2020, and it can be seen on ATTSN Southwest.
Orlando Magic vs. Houston Rockets Odds Preview
In the Magic’s last outing, they were victorious over the Minnesota Timberwolves, 132-118. Nikola Vucevic led Orlando in scoring with 28 points on 12-for-21 shooting. The Magic made 23 of their 31 free throws (74.2 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.649 (above their season average of 0.499).
The Rockets are hoping for a better outcome after their 108-99 loss to the Charlotte Hornets in their last contest. With 30 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds, James Harden led the way for Houston with his third triple-double of the season. Charlotte did an excellent job of making free throws (19-25; 76.0 percent). Houston, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.1 (above their season average of 22.3).
It will be a matchup of conflicting styles as the up-tempo Rockets (ranked fifth in the NBA in possessions per game) will look to push the more methodical Magic (29th in possessions per game).
These two clubs have already met once this season. The Rockets won 130-107. Houston’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Orlando. The Rockets had a rate of 0.686 while the Magic posted a mark of 0.522. Harden was the game’s leading scorer with 54 points.
Magic at Rockets Betting Prediction
Free Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
The Rockets rank first in three pointers attempted per game (44.5) while the Magic rank 19th (32.0).
Orlando ranks 16th in rebounds allowed per game (45.3) while Houston ranks 27th (47.1).
Orlando blocks 5.8 opponent shots per game, which is ranked fourth in the league. Houston ranks 17th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
Houston ranks 22nd in points in the paint per game (46.6) while Orlando ranks 25th (45.7).
When allowing less than 100 points, Orlando is 12-4 and Houston is 3-0.
When scoring more than 100 points, the Magic are 24-16 and the Rockets are 39-19.
The Magic average 8.3 steals per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Rockets rank 19th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
Orlando ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (11.1) while Houston ranks 25th (13.9).
The Magic rank third in fast break points allowed per game (11.7) while the Rockets rank 26th (15.6).
The Magic rank 19th in assists per game (23.9) while the Rockets rank 29th (21.5).
Orlando ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.8) while Houston ranks 20th (17.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 4.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 120.2 points per game (14.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 120.6 points per game (13.4 above their season average).
