The Orlando Magic defeated the Bucks on Saturday to snap a five-game skid, and Orlando’s young core will look to add another win when it faces the Houston Rockets — winners of two straight — at Toyota Center.
My Magic vs. Rockets predictions expect Paolo Banchero to stay hot on offense and lead the charge for Orlando in a close and relatively high-scoring game. Read my NBA picks to see why you should bet the Over on Banchero's points prop.
Magic vs Rockets prediction
My best bet
Paolo Banchero Over 24.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
Paolo Banchero is averaging a career-best 24.3 points per game this season, and his scoring line is set just above that average. With the roll he’s been on since the All-Star break, I expect him to clear this line in H-Town.
Before the break, Banchero averaged 22.5 points and scored 25+ only seven times in 23 appearances. In nine games since returning from the break, he’s averaged 28.4 points and hit the Over in five of nine.
His efficiency has climbed considerably over his last nine. In that span, he’s hitting 47.3% of his shots from the field, 34.5% from beyond the arc and 78.2% from the charity stripe, up from the 42.7/30.3/65.2 splits he shot prior to the break.
Banchero is shooting fewer shots per game since returning from the break. The difference is marginal at 18.6 FGA compared to 18.7 pre break. Most notably, he’s getting to the free throw line far more often. Over his last nine, Banchero has attempted 11.2 shots from the charity stripe, up from 7.5 before the break.
The Houston Rockets have allowed the 12th-most free throw attempts to opponents at 22.3 this season, but over the last nine, they’ve surrendered 22.7. That’s great news for Banchero, who will look to stay aggressive.
The spread on this one is small, and NBA odds expect a close game. I expect the same, which means Banchero is in line for a big offensive performance. He’s averaged 27.1 points in wins compared to just 22.7 in losses. The contrast on the road has been even more stark, as the third-year man has dropped 19.9 in losses compared to 30.3 in wins.
I’ll hammer the Over here as Banchero muscles his way into the paint in a tightly-contested showdown on the road.
Magic vs Rockets same-game parlay
Paolo Banchero Over 24.5 points
Magic team total Over 104.5
Over 213.5
The Magic sport one of the worst offenses in the Association, but they’ve been slightly better since the All-Star break. On the season, the Magic have scored 104.6 points per game, but over the last nine, they’ve averaged 108.2. Orlando has hit the Over in three straight and six of nine, scoring exactly 104 in one more outing.
The Magic and Rockets have cashed the Over in four of the last six head-to-head meetings. The Magic have cashed the Over in three straight and four of five, and the Rockets hit the Over in two of their last four. I expect a big game from Banchero, which will spark Orlando’s offense, leading to the teams hitting the Over on a modest point total.
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Magic vs Rockets odds
Magic vs Rockets live odds
Magic vs Rockets opening odds
- Spread: Orlando +5 | Houston -5
- Moneyline: Orlando +155 | Houston -185
- Over/Under: Over 213.5 | Under 213.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Magic vs Rockets spread and Over/Under analysis
- Orlando is 2-6 straight up and 3-5 ATS since returning from the All-Star break.
- Houston is 5-3-1 ATS across its last nine games.
- Orlando has hit the Over in three straight and four of its last five.
Magic vs Rockets trend
The Magic and Rockets have cashed the Over in four of the last six meetings. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Rockets.
How to watch Magic vs Rockets
| Location | Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
| Date | Monday, 3-10-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN - Florida, Space City Home Network |
Magic vs Rockets latest injuries
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