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Houston (36-21) at Orlando (31-26)
- When: Feb 26 2026, 7:30 PM
- Where: Kia Center, Orlando, FL, USA
- TV: SCHN
Houston vs Orlando Preview & Prediction
Spread: Houston -2.5
Moneyline: Houston (-145)
Total: 215.5
Orlando Magic: Banchero Closing Time
Alright, buckle up. The Orlando Magic just wrapped up a West Coast trip where they decided heart attack finishes are now part of the brand. Two point win over the Clippers. One point win over the Lakers. Because apparently Orlando prefers suspense over comfort.
Jamahl Mosley’s crew is quietly peaking at the right time. They sit just a half game behind Philadelphia for the six seed, meaning they’re trying to dodge that play in nonsense. At 17-9 at home, they’ve actually turned their building into something resembling a real advantage instead of a tourist attraction.
Paolo Banchero is the engine. He averaged 27.0 points and 9.0 rebounds on the road trip and just dropped 36 in that 110-109 thriller against the Lakers. On the season he’s at 21.8 points per game and clearly embracing closer duties. Orlando has lived in tight games all year, which means they are battle tested. It also means bettors sweat until the final buzzer.
With the total at 215.5, Orlando’s recent trend of grind it out wins matters. They’re comfortable winning ugly. They’re comfortable winning close.
Houston Rockets: Sheppard Splash Show
Houston comes in laying 2.5 on the road, fresh off smacking Utah and Sacramento like they owed them money. They’ve won three of four since the break and are trying to hold onto that shiny No. 3 seed in the West.
Ime Udoka got the luxury of resting starters late in a 31 point blowout over Sacramento. That matters on the second night of a back to back. Legs are fresher. Rotation is tighter.
Reed Sheppard is the new flamethrower. He’s hit 12 threes across the last two wins and nailed a career high seven triples in the most recent outing. He’s now averaging 12.9 points per game, which is an 8.5 point jump from his rookie season. That kind of leap changes spacing and forces defenses to pick their poison.
Houston wants pace. Orlando wants composure. That clash defines this line.
Betting Prediction
Orlando’s home record is strong, but Houston’s depth and recent efficiency give them the slight edge. The Rockets’ ability to stretch the floor with Sheppard and control tempo late should swing this. Expect a competitive game, but Orlando’s preference for half court battles keeps scoring modest.
Take the Rockets to edge it out and lean under in what feels like a playoff style chess match.
Final Score: Houston 109, Orlando 104
Lean: Houston -2.5
Total: Under 215.5
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
