The
Houston Rockets (44-25) take on the
Orlando Magic (32-37) Wednesday. Tip-off from Kia Center is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze
BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the
Rockets vs. Magic odds and make our expert
NBA picks and predictions for the best bets. The Rockets have won 7 straight games after a 144-137 OT win over the Philadelphia 76ers Monday, but they failed to cover as 17-point favorites. G
Jalen Green had 30 points, 13 dimes and 7 boards, and F
Jabari Smith matched him with 30 points. The Rockets are tied with Denver for the second seed in the Western Conference. The Magic are just 3-7 over their last 10, but had an impressive 108-103 win at the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday. They were 10-point dogs in that one and were down 38-25 after a period, but stormed back. F
Paolo Banchero had 24 points, 11 boards and 7 assists. He also went 3-for-8 from downtown. The Magic are sitting in eighth place and are a game behind Atlanta for the top Play-In bracket spot. Provided by
BetMGM Sportsbook ; access
USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:07 p.m. ET.
Rockets at Magic key injuries
For most recent updates:
Official NBA injury report .
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Prediction
I’m a little confused that the
ROCKETS -140 aren’t bigger favorites. The Magic are 18-16 at home, and the Rockets are 18-14 on the road. Houston has won 7 straight, and Orlando is just 3-7 in their last 10. The Rockets aren’t on a back-to-back and don’t really have a major injury. There’s a 20% NBA Boost token in BetMGM accounts to make this -117.
I’ll take
ALPEREN SENGUN OVER 15.5 ASSISTS+REBOUNDS (+105) here. He played just 22 minutes Monday and had 11 boards and 5 assists. He had 15-and-4 in each of his previous 2 games. This Magic squad lacks size, and he could corral 15 boards alone.
These are 2 of the best defensive teams in the league. Each team is 5-5 O/U in their last 10. The first meeting ended 97-84 and went Under 210.5. I’ll take the
UNDER 208.5 (-105) here.
For more sports betting picks and tips , check out
SportsbookWire.com and
BetFTW .
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