The big picture

Houston Rockets come in 8th on the ladder; Orlando Magic are 25th. Houston Rockets have the higher position to protect.

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

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

Form

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

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

Orlando Magic have lost their last three.

Head to head

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

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 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).

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).

At Toyota Center (Houston)

Houston Rockets have won 15 of their last 22 at Toyota Center (Houston).

What the numbers say

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