Magic vs. Rockets Prediction and Picks, Sunday, November 16, 2025
Use Code WWWC The Houston Rockets (8-3) will host the Orlando Magic (7-6) in a battle between two NBA title sleepers in this Rockets vs. Magic prediction. Up to this point, it has been the Rockets who have been closer to meeting expectations.
The Rockets have won and covered in the last three head-to-head meetings. Continue reading to check out all our NBA Free picks and more winners at Winners and Whiners.
Looking for help with your picks? David Delano is on an 8-0 All sports run. Check out his expert picks for the weekend.
Magic on a three-game winning streak
After a slow and underwhelming start, the Orlando Magic have now won three straight games. They edged the Portland Trail Blazers 115-112, went into Madison Square Garden and beat the New York Knicks 124-107, and topped the Brooklyn Nets 105-98 in an NBA Cup game on Friday.
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The Magic are tied for 19th in the NBA in offensive efficiency. They rank 20th in scoring (115.7 ppg) and 16th in true shooting percentage (59 percent). Orlando has been led in scoring by either Franz Wagner (22.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg) or Paolo Banchero (21.7 ppg, 8.7 rpg) in each of its 13 games this season. Banchero is out with a groin in this game with a groin injury. Defensively, Orlando ranks ninth in efficiency and eighth in opponents' scoring (113.8 ppg).
Key Injuries for Orlando:
- F Paolo Banchero (groin) is out.
Rockets are on a roll
After opening the season with losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons, the Houston Rockets have won eight of their last nine games. Houston earned its third straight victory and improved to 1-1 in NBA Cup group play with a 140-116 win over the Trail Blazers.
The Rockets lead the NBA in offensive efficiency and rank fifth in scoring (125.5 ppg) and true shooting percentage (61 percent). Kevin Durant leads the team with 25.1 points per game, followed by Alperen Sengun with 22.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and just under one block per game. Houston’s depth has also been a major factor. Amen Thompson has taken on extensive point guard duties and is averaging 17.7 ppg, while maintaining his play as an All-NBA First Team defender. Guard Reed Sheppard has also come on strong in his sophomore season, averaging 12.3 points off the bench and shooting just under 48 percent from three-point range. Three-point shooting was a major issue for Houston last season, but this year the Rockets lead the league in percentage from deep. The Rockets also lead the NBA in rebounding rates, with Steven Adams being a big contributor.
Key Injuries for Houston
- F Tari Eason (hip) is out 4-6 weeks.
- F Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle surgery) is out indefinitely.
Orlando Magic vs Houston Rockets Prediction
ATS Pick for Magic vs. Rockets
- Houston Rockets -8 (4 units)
The Rockets have covered the spread and won outright in their last three meetings with the Magic, and I will back that trend again. Orlando has been solid defensively, but I do not think it will be enough to slow down Houston. The Rockets play at one of the slower paces in the NBA, yet continue to light up the scoreboard. Whether opponents try to speed them up or slow them down, Houston adjusts. The Rockets have been able to consistently dominate their opponents on the glass, and I see them being too much for the Magic and covering here.
Total Pick for Rockets vs. Magic
- Over 229 (4 units)
The over has cashed in nine of Houston’s 11 games, and I am going to keep riding that trend. The Rockets are top five in most major offensive categories and have been able to earn extra possessions by dominating the offensive glass.
With Houston lighting up the scoreboard, Orlando will have to do its best to keep up, and they are capable of scoring, as the Magic have scored 115 points or more in three of their last five games. I like the over.
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