In what was expected to be a scrappy, defensive-minded contest, the Orlando Magic were edged out by the Houston Rockets in dominant fashion Monday night. Led by Jabari Smith Jr.’s 20 points, who had help from four other double-digit scorers,

Houston crashed the boards with success Monday night when the Rockets defeated the Magic by 13 points at home.

Jabari Smith Jr. scored a team-high 20 points, Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams recorded double-doubles, and the Houston Rockets turned a stifling defensive performance into a 97-84 victory over the visiting Orlando Magic on Monday.

Drew Dinsick explains why he is playing the Rockets over the Magic in a Monday-night bout while Jay Croucher makes his case for why there is value with Orlando winning the Southeast despite recent struggles on offense.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the Orlando Magic vs. Houston Rockets NBA game to be played on March 10, 2025 on ESPN.

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In a back-to-back home-and-away with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Houston Rockets were offered a reset. Houston struggled amid a three-game skid against the Kings, Thunder and Pacers, finishing as a -32 in that span.

Analyzing Monday’s Orlando Magic at Houston Rockets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.