Houston Rockets vs Orlando Magic: First Game of the Summer League for Both Sides

• Jabari Smith II looks to lead the Houston Rockets in their first game of the Vegas Summer League
• All eyes will be on the first overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, Paolo Banchero
• This will be the first game of the Summer League for both sides

Rockets vs Magic Odds

Odds taken form DraftKings Sportsbook.

Rockets vs Magic Pick

Houston have an interesting roster, but the Orlando Magic are composed in a better fashion to work with star rookie Paolo Banchero. With their size advantage, Orlando should come away the winner.

Orlando Magic def. Houston Rockets (+100)

Rockets vs Magic Predictions

Houston Rockets Game Notes

The Houston Rockets open the NBA Summer League in this matchup with the Orlando Magic. They don’t boast the most talented roster on paper, but they have a number of key players that could make a big impact.

Given the fast-paced nature of the Summer League, the Rockets seem well equipped for the speed of the game. They only have one player on their roster over 6-8, so they’ll need to be efficient in transition.

With only four players on the roster with league experience, expect some growing pains with this side. Being able to limit turnovers will be crucial for them.

Rockets Key Player: (F) Jabari Smith II

JABARI SMITH PUT HIM ON A POSTER ‼️ pic.twitter.com/soAlXn37SN

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 18, 2022

The first half of the Vegas Summer League’s marquee opening matchup, Jabari Smith II will be one of the most exciting players to watch. Given the composition of the Rockets’ roster, expect Smith II to be central to their gameplan.

Smith II was one of college basketball’s most impressive players last season. He averaged 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds on 42.9% shooting from the field. Most impressively, he shot 42% from three-point range on 5.5 attempts per game.

Expect the Smith II’s production to be impressive through the Summer League. He’s not the best playmaker in the world, so don’t be surprised to see pure scoring potential from him.

Orlando Magic Game Notes

Despite having one of the NBA‘s most promising young cores with Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, the Orlando Magic won’t be fielding either player through the Vegas Summer League. Instead, the Magic have put together a roster of familiar faces to support their rookie duo.

R.J. Hampton, Devin Cannady, and Admiral Schofield are three players who are trying to impress the Magic front office. All three players need to show that they have the three-point shooting touch, as well as good decision-making ability.

The Magic will want to control the pace of the game when they face off against the Rockets. With Paolo Banchero at the center of their gameplan, the Magic will need to show that they can convert in the halfcourt. If he has no shooting to work with, it’ll be tough for Orlando to win the game.

Magic Key Player: (F-C) Paolo Banchero

“Somebody like Paolo… he doesn’t have a ceiling.” ?

Paolo Banchero’s game is limitless ?? @Pp_doesit @famouslos32 pic.twitter.com/UOV8OiQqq9

— Whistle (@WhistleSports) June 26, 2022

The first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Duke’s Paolo Banchero will have every eye on him when he sets foot in the Vegas Summer League. While much of his game needs to be worked on to succeed at the NBA level, his skillset should shine in the Summer League.

Banchero is a skilled offensive player. In his freshman season at Duke he averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 47.8% from the field. He isn’t much of a defensive presence, but his ability around the rim and in the mid-range is impressive.

The Orlando Magic will run their offence through Banchero, who is more than capable as a scorer or playmaker from the low-to-mid post. He could dominate this game given the Rockets’ lack of size.

How to Watch Rockets vs Magic