Magic vs Rockets odds – Playoff positioning on the line
Magic vs Rockets odds have big playoff implications, as both teams are jockeying for valuable positioning in their respective conferences.
Orlando is dueling with Boston for second place in the East, while Houston has its eyes set on similar positioning in the Western Conference, with Denver and San Antonio standing in its way. What can NBA betting fans expect on Tuesday?
Magic vs Rockets odds: deadline trade has worked out well for both squads
- Houston is very tough to beat at home
- Very little separates West playoff teams
- Orlando mostly content with its positioning
Rafer Alston makes his return to Houston for the first time since the Magic acquired him at the trade deadline as a replacement for the injured Jameer Nelson. So far, the trade has turned out win-win for both sides.
The Magic haven’t strayed with Alston at the helm, despite some sportsbook bettors believing their season to be over when Nelson, the team’s All-Star point guard, was lost for the season with a torn right labrum.
Meanwhile, for the Rockets, the trade also worked out as Aaron Brooks has been on fire since stepping into the starting lineup for Alston. Meanwhile, back-up Kyle Lowry has flashed starter’s potential with his increased workload.
When examining the Magic vs Rockets sports betting line, keep in mind that Houston is on fire right now and has been extremely difficult to top at home. The Rockets have won more games at home than they have in each of the past six seasons, and they’ve shot better than 50 percent in three of their last four games. On the season, the Rockets are now 31-8 at home but they need to keep winning to improve their playoff standing.
Currently, the Rockets are fourth in the Western Conference but are just a half-game out of third. But looking the other way, the Rockets are just two games up on the seventh-seeded Utah Jazz, which indicates just how tight the conference is. The story is a little different in the East as the Magic are fairly comfortable with their spot.
If the playoffs would start today, the Magic would be the No. 3 seed in the conference and would face the Philadelphia 76ers. For the Magic, their only goal is to avoid the Detroit Pistons who are currently the No. 8 seed, but could climb as high as the No. 7 seed.
Magic vs Rockets odds favor the Rockets simply because of how good Houston is at home. The Magic aren’t a big underdog, though, and have won 27 of 38 road games this season.
CRAIG’S PICK: Look for the Rockets to put forth more of an effort to win this game. The Magic are content with their positioning while it’s more important for the Rockets to keep winning. Bet on the Houston Rockets.
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Craig Parsons is an avid sports fan, but his true love has always been basketball. Too short to realize his dream of playing in the NBA, he did the next best thing: sports betting and covering basketball for a living. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
