The big picture

Orlando Magic come in 25th on the ladder; Houston Rockets are 8th. Houston Rockets are the side higher up the table.

Orlando Magic are 2–6 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 105.5 points for and 115 against.

Houston Rockets are 7–2 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 117.9 points for and 107.6 against.

Form

Orlando Magic have won one of their last five and most recently lost to Phoenix Suns 104–117.

Houston Rockets have won three of their last five and most recently lost to Minnesota Timberwolves 107–117.

Orlando Magic have lost their last three.

Head to head

These sides have met 49 times on our records since 2002: Orlando Magic 16, Houston Rockets 33.

Last time out (2025-26), Houston Rockets won 113–108 at Kia Center.

Houston Rockets have won the last five against Orlando Magic.

Biggest margin between these two: Houston Rockets by 42 points in 2020-21 (132–90).

Players to watch

For Orlando Magic, watch Paolo Banchero (24.5 points a game, 13 rebounds in 2026-27) and Franz Wagner (19.6 points a game, 51 rebounds in 2026-27).

For Houston Rockets, watch Alperen Sengun (22.4 points a game, 64 rebounds in 2026-27) and Kevin Durant (20.8 points a game, 47 rebounds in 2026-27).

At Kia Center

Orlando Magic have won 11 of their last 20 at Kia Center.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder and history, Houston Rockets go in as clear favourites.