Rockets Edge Magic in Close Contest
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Kia Center
Houston Rockets 113, Orlando Magic 108, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Houston Rockets vs Orlando Magic?
Houston Rockets beat Orlando Magic 113-108 at Kia Center on February 26, 2026.
Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs Orlando Magic?
Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
The Houston Rockets defeated the Orlando Magic 113-108 in a tightly contested game at the Kia Center. This victory marked the Rockets' third consecutive win against the Magic this season, extending their dominance in the series to 3-0. The matchup was notable not only for the competitive spirit displayed but also for the implications it holds in the playoff race, with both teams vying for favorable positions in their respective conferences.
The Rockets entered the game with a record of 37-21, while the Magic stood at 31-27. Both teams had shown solid form in their recent outings, with the Rockets winning six of their last ten games and the Magic also claiming six victories during the same stretch. The Rockets' scoring average over their last ten games was 109.0 points, while they allowed an average of 105.4 points. The Magic, on the other hand, averaged 112.1 points scored and 109.5 points allowed in their last ten games.
At home, the Magic had a record of 3-1 in their last four games, showcasing their ability to perform well in familiar surroundings. Conversely, the Rockets had a strong away record of 3-1 in their last four road games, highlighting their capability to secure wins outside of Houston. This fixture also had the added intrigue of recent head-to-head matchups, where the Magic had struggled against the Rockets, losing their previous meetings by scores of 117-113, 116-108, and 97-84.
In terms of injuries, both teams faced challenges. The Magic had three players listed as day-to-day: Franz Wagner (calf), Izaiyah Nelson (ankle), and Jonathan Isaac (knee). The Rockets also had key players dealing with injuries, including Kevin Durant (ankle), Fred VanVleet (knee), and Steven Adams (ankle), all of whom were also listed as day-to-day. The status of these players added an element of uncertainty leading up to the game.
The betting lines provided by DraftKings indicated that the Rockets were favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 214.5. The odds reflected the Rockets' stronger overall record and recent performance, while the Magic's home advantage was also taken into account.
The game conditions were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams eager to build on their recent successes. As the game unfolded, it was evident that both teams were prepared to battle for every point. The scoring plays in the fourth quarter were particularly crucial, as the Rockets maintained a slight lead throughout. Key moments included a 27-foot three-point jumper from Reed Sheppard, which pushed the Rockets' lead to 109-102, and a response from Wendell Carter Jr. with a three-pointer that brought the Magic back within four points.
Kevin Durant's free throws in the closing moments solidified the Rockets' lead, ensuring they would walk away with the victory. The final score of 113-108 reflected the competitive nature of the game, with both teams showcasing their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Overall, the matchup between the Rockets and the Magic was a thrilling contest that highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both teams as they continue to navigate the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -2.5 | 214.5 o -105 / u -115 | Houston Rockets -142 · Orlando Magic +120 |
Injury report
- Franz WagnerDay-To-DayCalfOrlando Magic
- Izaiyah NelsonDay-To-DayAnkleOrlando Magic
- Jonathan IsaacDay-To-DayKneeOrlando Magic
- Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Leaders
- PointsDesmond Bane30Orlando Magic
- AssistsPaolo Banchero9Orlando Magic
- ReboundsPaolo Banchero8Orlando Magic
- PointsKevin Durant40Houston Rockets
- AssistsAlperen Sengun5Houston Rockets
- ReboundsKevin Durant8Houston Rockets
Recent form
Orlando Magic
Last 10: 6-4Streak W2112.1 scored · 109.5 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W110-109at Los Angeles LakersFeb 25
- W111-109at LA ClippersFeb 23
- L110-113at Phoenix SunsFeb 21
- W131-94at Sacramento KingsFeb 20
- L108-116vs Milwaukee BucksFeb 12
- W118-99vs Milwaukee BucksFeb 10
- W120-117vs Utah JazzFeb 8
- W118-98vs Brooklyn NetsFeb 6
- L92-128at Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 4
- L103-112at San Antonio SpursFeb 2
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 6-4Streak W2109 scored · 105.4 allowed per game3-1 away
- W128-97vs Sacramento KingsFeb 26
- W125-105vs Utah JazzFeb 24
- L106-108at New York KnicksFeb 22
- W105-101at Charlotte HornetsFeb 20
- L102-105vs LA ClippersFeb 12
- W102-95vs LA ClippersFeb 11
- W112-106at Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 7
- L99-109vs Charlotte HornetsFeb 6
- L93-114vs Boston CelticsFeb 5
- W118-114at Indiana PacersFeb 3
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
Box score
| Stat | Houston Rockets | Orlando Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 43-82 | 40-88 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 11-29 | 15-37 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 41 |
| Free throws | 16-20 | 13-21 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 62 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 25 |
| Assists | 24 | 25 |
| Steals | 7 | 11 |
| Blocks | 9 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 44 |
| Fouls | 17 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 24 | 64 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter61-76Kevin Durant makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter64-76Reed Sheppard makes 22-foot three point jumper (Tari Eason assists)
- 3rd Quarter65-76Kevin Durant makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter68-76Reed Sheppard makes 22-foot three point jumper (Tari Eason assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-76Clint Capela makes 1-foot running dunk (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-76Reed Sheppard makes 29-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter75-76Reed Sheppard makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter77-76Kevin Durant makes running layup (Tari Eason assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-76Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter78-78Moritz Wagner makes 2-foot layup (Desmond Bane assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-80Desmond Bane makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter81-80Josh Okogie makes 26-foot three point jumper (Clint Capela assists)
- 4th Quarter81-82Desmond Bane makes 10-foot pullup jump shot (Jevon Carter assists)
- 4th Quarter84-82Josh Okogie makes 26-foot three point jumper (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter84-85Jevon Carter makes 23-foot three pointer (Tristan da Silva assists)
- 4th Quarter84-87Jevon Carter makes 22-foot running jump shot (Desmond Bane assists)
- 4th Quarter87-87Jabari Smith Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter87-90Desmond Bane makes 22-foot three point jumper (Moritz Wagner assists)
- 4th Quarter90-90Kevin Durant makes 26-foot three point jumper (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter90-93Jevon Carter makes 27-foot three point jumper (Desmond Bane assists)
- 4th Quarter92-93Alperen Sengun makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter92-95Desmond Bane makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter92-97Desmond Bane makes running layup
- 4th Quarter94-97Kevin Durant makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter97-97Kevin Durant makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter97-99Paolo Banchero makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter99-99Kevin Durant makes 11-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter99-100Wendell Carter Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-100Alperen Sengun makes 2-foot layup (Kevin Durant assists)
- 4th Quarter103-100Alperen Sengun makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter106-100Reed Sheppard makes 29-foot three point jumper (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter106-101Paolo Banchero makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-102Paolo Banchero makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-102Reed Sheppard makes 27-foot three point jumper (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter109-105Wendell Carter Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Paolo Banchero assists)
- 4th Quarter110-105Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-105Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-108Anthony Black makes 26-foot three pointer (Paolo Banchero assists)
- 4th Quarter112-108Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-108Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Orlando Magic, below favours Houston Rockets.
Venue
- Kia CenterOrlando, FL
- Attendance17524
- OfficialsKevin Scott, Ray Acosta, Intae Hwang
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