Magic/Rockets preview

The Magic (29-34, 10-21 road, T8th East) will try to rebound after a horrible performance in a home loss to CHI as they travel to face a tough HOU (38-24, 21-10 home, 5th West) team. HOU is coming off a solid 112-91 win against NJ on FRI. Former Magic star Tracy McGrady scored 34 pts, and C Yao, back from his injury, scored 24 pts with 13 rebs.

HOU is led in scoring by Yao, averaging 25 ppg, 9.5 rebs; TMac 24.7 ppg, 6 asts; G Rafer Alston 13.5 ppg, 5.3 asts; G Luther Head 10.8 ppg; F Shane Battier 10.6 ppg; and former Magic F Juwan Howard 10 ppg, 6 rebs. HOU averages 95.9 ppg, while allowing 90.9 ppg; ORL averages 93.7 ppg, while allowing 94.1 ppg. HOU is limiting opponents to a league-low 42.5% FG shooting.

The Magic are now tied for the 8th seed in the East with NY, thanks to the heroics of former Magic G Steve Francis SAT night against WAS. NJ trails NY and ORL by a game.

The Magic have lost 8 of their last 10 games, 17 of their last 20 road games, and 20 of their last 27 games overall. HOU has beaten the Magic 8 of the last 9 meetings, including a 97-93 win 2 weeks ago in ORL. HOU is a 8 1/2 pt favorite (www.pinnaclesports.com).