Free NBA Picks Today: Houston Rockets vs Orlando Magic 12/21/22

The Houston Rockets (9-21, 6-8 Home) will be looking to end their losing run when they host the Orlando Magic (11-21, 3-12 Away) on Wednesday. Orlando was edged out by the Atlanta Hawks 126-125 at State Farm Arena on Monday.

Markelle Fultz was a top performer in the loss with 24 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. The Magic are the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference. Houston lost their third in a row in blowout fashion on Monday at Toyota Center, falling to the San Antonio Spurs 124-105. Alperen Sengun had 22 points and three assists in defeat, carrying the team. The Rockets are the 15th seed in the Western Conference.

This is the final meeting of the season between the teams. After taking the only earlier season matchup against Orlando 134-127 at Amway Center on November 7, Houston will be aiming for a season sweep. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 34 points. Paolo Banchero had 30 points in the loss.

Banchero and Franz Wagner, averaging 21.8 and 19.6 points per game, respectively, are leading the Magic in scoring this season. Both are among the league’s top scorers, as Banchero is No. 1 and Wagner is first. Banchero also has dished 4.0 assists per game, most in the NBA. Meanwhile, Bol Bol is grabbing 7.3 rebounds per game.

Green and Kevin Porter Jr. have been the primary providers of the Rockets’ offense, averaging 21.3 and 18.4 points per game, respectively. Green leads the NBA in scoring, while Porter Jr. is first. Porter Jr. also has tallied 5.6 assists per game, most in the NBA. Sengun has posted 8.6 rebounds per game.

The Magic have struggled in recent trips to Toyota Center, losing nine of the last 10. Houston is looking to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat at home this season.

Orlando is 6-4 in the last 10 games with an average margin of +1.1 (111.8-110.7). Houston has gone 4-6 over the last 10, allowing 113.3 points per game on average while scoring only 108.0 (-5.3 margin).

MAGIC HOT/COLD

(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Assists per game:
Paolo Banchero: 5.2 | 4.0 | +1.2

ROCKETS HOT/COLD

(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Points + Rebounds + Assists:
Eric Gordon: 11.0 | 15.8 | -4.8
Points per game:
Eric Gordon: 8.2 | 11.6 | -3.4