After a week off for the NBA’s All-Star break, the Houston Rockets will resume their 2021-22 season on Friday in Orlando. If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We have the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as all the information you need to make the best bets at Tipico Sportsbook.
The Rockets-Magic game tips at 6 p.m. CST and can be viewed or streamed via AT&T SportsNet Southwest and NBA League Pass. Orlando enters the season restart coming off four straight defeats, while Houston lost its final seven games heading into an extended All-Star break.
While the young Rockets say they are focused on player growth, development, and maximizing wins over their final 24 regular-season games, Friday’s contest also carries implications in the other direction.
With four more losses, the Magic (13-47) are one of only two NBA teams with a worse record than Houston (15-43), which would give them slightly better 2022 NBA draft odds. With a win, the Rockets would have five fewer losses, which is a lot to overcome with only 23 games left. A three-loss margin, on the other hand, seems much more manageable.
But that’s not how Houston’s players and coaches are looking at it. They’re competitive and likely see a matchup with Orlando as an opportunity for a rare win. The Rockets should also benefit from the return of starters Kevin Porter Jr. and Eric Gordon, who each missed multiple games leading into the break before having a week off to rest.
Christian Wood on the remainder of the 2021-22 Rockets season: “It’s a big learning process to figure out how to win games. The most important thing is to win as many games as possible.” https://t.co/3nVSm24bpO
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) February 24, 2022