The Magic Insider

Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic GAMEDAY Preview: How to Watch, Betting Odds, Injury Report

The Orlando Magic hosts the Houston Rockets on Opening Night. Here's everything you need to know.

Jeremy Brener

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ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic (0-0) is getting ready to tip off its season tonight at home against the new-look Houston Rockets (0-0).

The Rockets and Magic are in similar places in their path towards contention, but are approaching it from very different angles.

The Magic has placed an emphasis on consistency and continuity, returning nearly its entire team from a year ago. Meanwhile, the Rockets will see the debut of new coach Ime Udoka and two veteran starters in Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.

"I just think we'll probably just scout for individual players," point guard Cole Anthony said. "We know what Fred VanVleet can do. We know what Dillon Brooks brings to the table. We know about two dudes they've had there already. And it'll be a great challenge. They're really talented team and I'm excited to play them."

The Magic plays this game before heading out on a four-game west coast trip, so building momentum on Opening Night is key for the young team to get off on the right foot.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) is fouled by Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) on an inside shot during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) is fouled by Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) on an inside shot during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Here's a look at everything you need to know ahead of tonight's game ...

Rockets vs. Magic Broadcast Information

  • Date: Wednesday, October 25
  • Time: 7:00 p.m.
  • TV Channel: Bally Sports Florida
  • Radio: WYGM 96.9FM / 740AM
  • Live Stream: League Pass
  • Betting Odds: Magic (-3.5)

Rockets vs. Magic Injury Report

Houston Rockets

  • Tari Eason (OUT - leg)

Orlando Magic

  • Kevon Harris (QUESTIONABLE - knee)

Rockets vs. Magic Projected Starting Lineups

Houston Rockets

  • PG Fred VanVleet
  • SG Jalen Green
  • SF Dillon Brooks
  • PF Jabari Smith Jr.
  • C Alperen Sengun

Orlando Magic

  • PG Markelle Fultz
  • SG Jalen Suggs
  • SF Franz Wagner
  • PF Paolo Banchero
  • C Wendell Carter Jr.
Published
Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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