The Houston Rockets wrap up a 3-game homestand tonight against the Orlando Magic. After tonight, five of Houston’s next six games come on the road, with the only home game coming against the Denver Nuggets in an NBA Cup tilt this Friday.
The Magic haven’t gotten off to the start they were hoping to. After acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando was a popular pick to be a dark horse in the East. That’s still available to them, especially after going 6-2 after a 1-4 start. That includes a blowout win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden and a win over the Trail Blazers.
Tonight will be Houston’s first game without Tari Eason, who had gotten off to a great start. His 3-point shooting had taken a huge leap. That was probably unsustainable, but Eason’s confidence was clear as he works towards restricted free agency. He’ll be back in 4-6 weeks and you know Houston will be careful with him.
The Magic will be without Paolo Banchero and Mo Wagner. Franz Wagner and Bane will initiate offense for Orlando, with Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr., and Tristan da Silva also playing big minutes and contributing in multiple ways.
Dorian Finney-Smith: OUT (ankle)
The Line (as of this post)
Looking ahead because we can
Wednesday night in Cleveland against the Cavaliers