On Thursday, February 26, the Houston Rockets (36-21) meet the Orlando Magic (31-26) for the second time this season on the second night of a back-to-back. 

When: Thursday, February 26 @ 6:30 PM CT

Where: Kia Center, Orlando

Where to watch:

Space City Home Network (local)

Amazon PrimeVideo (with subscription)

Houston: 

Out: Jae'Sean Tate (MCL sprain)

Out: Steven Adams (ankle surgery)

Out: Fred VanVleet (ACL repair)

Orlando:

Questionable: Jalen Suggs (back strain)

Out: Franz Wagner (left ankle sprain)

Jae’Sean Tate is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 MCL sprain, which removes one of Houston’s more versatile defensive rotation pieces and a reliable small-ball connector offensively. His absence forces more responsibility onto the wing rotation defensively, particularly against Orlando’s bigger perimeter creators.

Steven Adams remaining out keeps Houston without a true bruising interior presence, meaning rebounding and physical rim deterrence stay committee-based. That puts added pressure on Alperen Sengun and the forwards to hold their ground against Orlando’s size and second-chance opportunities.

Fred VanVleet’s continued absence maintains Houston’s current identity- more ball movement, more shared playmaking, but also less traditional point guard control late in possessions.

For Orlando, Franz Wagner staying sidelined since early December strips the Magic of a steady half-court scorer and secondary initiator. Without him, Orlando leans more heavily on Paolo Banchero to create offense and carry usage.

Jalen Suggs missing the last three games matters defensively as much as offensively. If he sits again, Orlando loses its top perimeter disruptor and a key tone-setter in transition defense.

If the Rockets can take care of the ball like they did Wednesday night against Sacramento, they should be fine. But if they cough it up 26 times like they did versus Utah, Orlando won’t be nearly as forgiving.