Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic game preview

The Rockets are 3-2 in December, and all five games have been tight affairs late in the fourth quarter. Tonight, we’re likely in for another close game as the Rockets head to Orlando to take on a Magic squad that has played Houston close over the last few years.

The Magic are hoping to welcome back Nikola Vucevic to their lineup tonight. The big man hasn’t played since November 20 while recovering from an ankle injury. The Magic come into game losers of two tight and tough games against the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Orlando ended a playoff drought by making the postseason last year and taking a game off the eventual champion Toronto Raptors. The Magic decided to double down on their roster by bringing back Vucevic and Terrence Ross. They also brought in Al-Farouq Aminu, who is out with a torn meniscus.

Houston could welcome Austin Rivers back tonight from the illness that has been plaguing the Rockets locker room. Tyson Chandler is still out.

Tip-off is at 6pm CT