Rockets Open Season in Orlando, Matchup with the Magic
First Look. Magical Beginning. Third Time’s the Charm.
Teams never truly know when they’re beginning the start of a dream season. And tonight, the Houston Rockets kick off their season with a trip to Disney World to take on the Orlando Magic. Tonight’s officially marks the beginning of the Ime Udoka era in Houston. The Rockets endured three tough seasons under his predecessor, Stephen Silas, as the squad won only 59 games combined in three seasons. As we get a first look as these new look Rockets tonight, expect them to be better defensively, and to lessen their turnovers compared to the last few seasons. It’s the first game of the season, so everyone is rusty entering a new campaign. Anything could happen tonight.
Luckily for Houston, their opponent tonight isn’t an expected playoff contender. The Orlando Magic finished 34-48 last season, and they have a nice young squad, but are likely a few years, and players, away from playoff contention. The Rockets have the more talented squad, but there could be some growing pains as Houston adjusts to Ime Udoka’s system in the game one of the season. Hopefully, the Rockets can replicate their play in the preseason, where they had great success going 4-1, and defeat a very beatable Magic team tonight in Orlando.
The Magic’s biggest threats lie in third year player Paolo Banchero, who was the first pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the year Houston selected Jalen Green third overall. The two will square off as opponents early on as both players look to have breakout seasons. Expect Green to be more aggressive on the offensive end to start this season. Green’s put on some muscle in the offseason, and he should be able to adjust more contact from the opposition as he attacks the rim. Besides Banchero, keep an eye out for Franz Wagner, the guard/forward is a versatile and skilled offensive player who can sneakily put up points quickly. Tonight’s matchup is a toss-up, featuring a battle of two of the league’s youngest teams. Despite the fact the result could end in either fashion, expect the Rockets to look like the hungrier team as we begin the 2023/2024 season in Orlando, home of Disney World… where dreams come true.
Amway Center: Orlando, Florida
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (0-0): Red
Orlando Magic (0-0): Blue
Tip-Off: 6:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass