The Houston Rockets have demonstrated an improved performance on the road lately, winning five out of their last six away games. Overall, they have continued to find success, boasting a record of 13 wins against just six losses over their past 19 games. This momentum will be put to the test on Thursday as the Rockets (36-21) prepare to face the Orlando Magic (31-26) at the Kia Center at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Magic have one of the strongest home records in the Eastern Conference this season, with a mark of 17-9, and they come into this game having won eight of their last 12 contests.
Historically, the Rockets have had the upper hand in recent matchups against the Magic, winning the last four meetings. The last encounter occurred on November 16 in Houston, where the Magic squandered a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, ultimately falling to the Rockets 117-113 in overtime. Key players for the Rockets included superstar Kevin Durant, who led with 35 points, and Alperen Sengun, who registered a double-double with 30 points and 12 rebounds.
Thursday’s NBA slate includes nine other games, featuring a matchup between the Charlotte Hornets (28-31) and Indiana Pacers (15-44) at 7 p.m. ET in Indianapolis. The Pacers, currently in the midst of a four-game losing streak, have fared better against the Hornets this season, winning three straight games against them, including two earlier this season.
In addition to basketball, the NHL will have 12 games, including a significant clash between the Carolina Hurricanes (36-15-6) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (38-14-4) at 7 p.m. ET in Raleigh, North Carolina. Both teams, sitting at the top of their division, are also in excellent form; the Lightning have won six consecutive games, improving their record to an outstanding 20-1-1 over the past 22, while the Hurricanes have secured points in 15 of their last 16 games, winning three straight.
In college basketball, the Big Ten Conference will see a highly anticipated matchup featuring No. 13 Michigan State (22-5) against No. 8 Purdue (22-5) at 8 p.m. ET at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Boilermakers have been dominant at home, winning their last seven meetings with the Spartans at Mackey Arena.
In betting, the Rockets are currently favored by 2.5 points against the Magic, while the Hornets hold a significant 12.5-point advantage over the Pacers. The Hurricanes have a money line of -147 against the Lightning, and Purdue is favored by 7.5 points against Michigan State.
With tight competition across the leagues and various teams showing strong recent performances, fans can expect an exhilarating night of sports action on Thursday.