The Orlando Magic are an underrated commodity. They have more firepower and will find a way to win. The spread is 4.5 which is prime back door cover territory so I’ll avoid that and lay the price on the money line.

Big rebuild continues in Houston, with Ime Udoka now calling the shots from the bench and the roster continuing its turnover from three straight seasons at the bottom of the West pyramid. Further along seems Orlando, which played better than .500 (29-28) across the last four months of the 2022-23 campaign, with a young core now having played together for a year. The Magic also featured some notable on-court work in the offseason, with Franz Wagner (for Germany) and Paolo Banchero (for USA) two of the stars of the FIBA World Championships. The arrow points up at Amway Center. Play Magic

I believe the Orlando Magic are a 40-plus win team this year. I love Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. Here’s the deal: You can’t lose at home to the Rockets if you want to reach the playoffs. The Magic's depth is underrated, with Cole Anthony and Jonathan Isaac in the mix. Back Orlando.

Both teams ranked near the bottom in offensive efficency last year while Orlando should be slightly improved I think Houston could go backwards. Both teams played at a below average pace last year. My model has this total at 209.5.

Lot of good young talent on both teams, but Houston has to learn a new point guard in Fred VanVleet and with Kevin Porter dumped due to some off-court issues. Big man Tari Eason, who played great last year at times as a rookie, will miss the first few weeks injured. I believe the Magic can compete for a play-in spot in the East if they stay healthy. Houston lost by 7 in Orlando last year and had only eight road wins. The Magic were nearly .500 at home.