Feb. 26, 2026, 9:34 a.m. ET

The Houston Rockets (35-21) and Orlando Magic (31-26) meet Thursday at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, at 7:30 p.m. ET (Prime). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Rockets vs. Magic and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Rockets lead 1-0; F Kevin Durant led Houston with 35 points in a 117-113 home victory in overtime Nov. 16 as Orlando covered as 7.5-point underdogs as the Over (223.5) cashed

The Rockets are coming off a 125-105 home win over the Utah Jazz Monday, covering as 13.5-point favorites with the Over (228.5) cashing. F Jabari Smith Jr. scored a team-high 31 points.

The Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 110-109 as 6.5-point road underdogs Tuesday as the Under (229.5) cashed. F Paolo Banchero led the way with 36 points.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!Rockets at Magic odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:24 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rockets -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Magic +120 (bet $100 to win $120)Against the spread (ATS): Rockets -2.5 (-110) | Magic +2.5 (+110)Over/Under (O/U): 215.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Rockets at Magic key injuries

Rockets

F Dorian Finney-Smith (knee) outG Amen Thompson (quadriceps) outF Jae’Sean Tate (knee) out

Magic

G Jalen Suggs (back) questionableF Franz Wagner (ankle) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Rockets at Magic picks and predictionsPrediction

Rockets 108, Magic 104

AVOID.

The Magic have played a lot of tight games lately, all against teams that don’t measure up to Houston. They’ll put up a good fight at home, but the Rockets will be a little too much to handle.

BET ROCKETS -2.5 (-110).

Orlando has not lost against the spread in its last 4 games, but as mentioned, it’s been against inferior teams to Houston. The Rockets have covered in each of their last 3 games.

BET UNDER 215.5 (-110).

The Magic are 5-5 on the Over/Under in their last 10 games, and their last 3 games have been low scoring as they’ve been without Suggs. The Rockets have hit the Under in 6 of their last 10 games.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Access more NBA coverage:

HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | LeBron Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire

Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose.  While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.  We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site.  Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.