The NBA season is officially back! The Houston Rockets open up the season visiting the Orlando Magic. This game wlil continue our NBA odds series as we hand out a Rockets-Magic prediction and pick. We will also let you know how to watch the game.

Here are the NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

NBA Odds: Rockets-Magic Odds

Houston Rockets: +4 (-112)

Orlando Magic: -4 (-108)

Over: 221 (-108)

Under: 221 (-112)

How to Watch Rockets vs. Magic

Time: 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

TV: Space City Home Network, Bally Sports Florida

Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)

Why The Rockets Could Cover The Spread

With the new season, comes new players, and new playing time. Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr, and Tari Eason all return. The new players coming in have the ability to make a huge impact, as well. Those players are Fred VanVleet, Victor Oladipo, Dillon Brooks, and Reggie Bullock. The addition of VanVleet is almost enough to keep them in any game. He will elevate the Rockets' offense, and lower the responsibility of Green, Smith Jr, and some of the other younger players on the team. If they can play well together with the new look, the Rockets will cover the spread.

There is a lot to be excited about with this new-look Rockets team. Houston split with the Magic last season, and they only got better this year. I have a feeling both defenses will give up some points, so the Rockets will need to do some scoring. One person not mentioned yet is Amen Thomson. He was the Rockets' fourth overall pick, and he has a lot of potential. He can easily help with the offensive output, but he will definitely help on the defensive side, as well. The Rockets have good players, and they will help cover this spread.

Why The Magic Could Cover The Spread

The Magic finished the season 34-48 last year, and that was a lot better than most people expected. Their young lineup really showed out, and their future seems bright. Their first overall pick, Paolo Banchero, won the rookie of the year award. He averaged 20 points per game, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Orlando's top-7 scorers from last season all return, plus the additions of Caleb Houston, Jett Howard, and Joe Ingles, so their team has a lot of upside.

It is very hard to predict how rookies are going to handle the pressure of the NBA, and it is definitely not a massive upgrade with the Joe Ingles signing. However, the returners can play, so how well they play together is not going to change. This year should only be better for the Magic. If Orlando can play as they did last season, they will win this game, and cover the spread.

Final Rockets-Magic Prediction & Pick

The first game of the season is never easy to predict. You never know how teams are going to mesh together, or how the new players are going to perform. In this game, the Rockets are the underdog. I think it is because of how the Magic played last season. Houston did make some good additions, though. I really like the addition of VanVleet. As for the spread, I am going to take the Rockets to cover the spread. I think they will do just enough to keep this game close, or win.

Final Rockets-Magic Prediction & Pick: Rockets +4 (-112), Over 221 (-108)