Rockets Aim for Third Straight Win as Magic Come to Town
Final First Look. Filling Twin’s Void. Questionable Point.
The Houston Rockets aim for three straight wins as they host the Orlando Magic for a Monday night matchup. This is the first meeting this season between Houston and Orlando, the last team the Rockets have yet to play this season before tonight. After a 17-9 start to the season, the Magic have struggled, as they currently have losing record of 30-35. Orlando did lose their two best players, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, to significant injuries earlier this season. So, that certainly played a major factor into their slide after an impressive 28-game start to their season. In their last game, the Magic snapped a five-game losing streak with an impressive, 111-109, win over the Bucks in Milwaukee on Saturday night.
Houston is coming off a 146-117 blowout win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. Entering tonight’s tilt, the Rockets need to disregard their opponent’s record and be ready to play against a tougher foe in this young and talented Orlando team. Banchero and Wagner are two of the best young and rising stars in the entire league. The Magic also have Wendell Carter Jr., among other players on their roster who could sneakily have a big game.
Amen Thompson is set to miss at least the next 10-14 days after suffering an ankle injury late in the squad’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. The Rockets will need more guys from the Stay Ready Crew to step up tonight, especially if Fred VanVleet remains sidelined. FVV is listed as questionable entering Monday night’s matchup. Regardless if he plays or not, Houston is playing at home, and the squad has enough weapons to beat Orlando.
Tonight is part two of the Rockets’ current season-high six game homestand. With a record of 21-10 at home, compared to 18-15 away from the Toyota Center, Houston should be ready to contend with the Magic in this tilt. Entering this matchup, the may be shorthanded, but Houston’s depth is one of their best assets. The Rockets have shown throughout this season they have a plethora of guys on their roster who can step up and fill key voids on any given night.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Orlando Magic (30-35): Black
Houston Rockets (39-25): “City Edition” White
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass