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The Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic open their seasons Wednesday at Amway Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rockets vs. Magic odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting of 2023; split last season’s series 1-1
The Rockets are going to look entirely different this season after bringing in coach Ime Udoka, along with notably signing G Fred VanVleet and F Dillon Brooks. Houston is also hoping to see growth from its young trio of G Jalen Green, F Jabari Smith Jr., and C Alperen Sengun after going 22-60 last season.
The Magic finished with a 34-48 record in 2022-23 in the 2nd year under coach Jamahl Mosley. Orlando will lean on its budding duo of PF Paolo Banchero and SF Franz Wagner to lead the way offensively this season.
Rockets at Magic
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:09 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rockets +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Magic -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +3.5 (-105) | Magic -3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 220.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Rockets at Magic key injuries
Rockets
- F Tari Eason (leg) out
- G Victor Oladipo (knee) out
Magic
- G Gary Harris (adductor) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Rockets at Magic picks and predictions
Prediction
Magic 115, Rockets 108
Moneyline
Even though the Magic should secure the home win to begin the season, I’ll PASS on their moneyline in this contest. If you can get Orlando’s moneyline at -160 or better odds somewhere, I’d feel more comfortable playing it straight up.
Against the spread
MAGIC -3.5 (-115) is the ideal play in the season opener as the Rockets will need time to adjust under Udoka. Orlando showed some promise a season ago and having a healthy G Markelle Fultz to orchestrate the offense should undoubtedly help.
The Magic were one of the best teams at covering the spread in 2022-23, going 45-35-2 ATS. Meanwhile, the Rockets were 33-45-4 ATS last season.
Over/Under
OVER 220.5 (-110) is the lean in this matchup as both of these teams were in the top half of the league in pace last season. That shouldn’t change under Udoka, who wants the Rockets to run the floor and shoot more 3s.
Houston will also need time to build chemistry on defense in Udoka’s system, so Orlando shouldn’t have issues putting up points on Wednesday.
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