Orlando Magic at Houston Rockets: Game preview

HOUSTON – The Orlando Magic's ability to control their postseason fate is within their grasp.

With just four games remaining, the Magic (46-32) have a chance to clinch second place in the Eastern Conference playoff race and clinch the Southeast Division title (either with two Heat wins, two Heat losses or one). victory AND one). Heat loss) and secure their first 50-win season since the 2010-11 season.

But for Orlando to achieve such incredible feats, it must not only defeat a series of challenging opponents, but also do so outside the friendly confines of the Kia Center.

The Magic embark on an important three-game road trip on Tuesday when they face the Houston Rockets (38-40) at 8 p.m. ET.

A win tonight would also give Orlando a chance to secure a spot in the playoffs. The Magic clinch a playoff spot with a win and losses to two of the following teams: Miami, Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers.

“It means a lot to us to be able to take advantage of this opportunity where it is in our hands; We don't have to worry about other people's wins and losses (or what others do), said Magic guard Jalen Suggs. “We have complete control over our destiny. I think it's a really cool thing. It's a unique position. This is a situation that a lot of people didn't see us in at the beginning of the year. So it’s a blessing to have it in front of us and to have this opportunity.”

Even though Houston has missed five straight games, the Rockets are anything but a weak squad. Before being eliminated after five games, Houston had won 13 of their last 14 meetings.

“They are a fluid team; They go from one to five,” said Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. “They start (Amen) Thompson at the five, which is unique but kind of the direction the NBA is moving in now.” And they run . So it’s going to be really important that we get back on defense (in transition) and control the glass.”

Rockets guard Jalen Green was sensational during this phase. He averaged 27.7 points per contest while shooting 49.2 percent from the floor and 40.8 percent from deep in March and had an average positive plus-minus rating of 11.3 during that span.

IN AND OUT: Jonathan Isaac (back spasms) and Franz Wagner (right ankle; sprain) are questionable for Orlando.

Out for Houston are Steven Adams (right knee; PCL surgery), Tari Eason (left tabia; surgery), Alperen Sengun (right ankle; sprain) and Jae'Sean Tate (right ankle; sprain).

QUOTE FOR NOTE: “You are talented. Play extremely hard. Very well trained. They're going to go out there and compete. I'm pretty sure they'll face some sort of adversity due to their lack of playoff experience, but you never know what can happen. “They play hard, and as long as they go out there, play hard and compete, they should be fine.” – Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan on his prospects for the Magic in the playoffs

KEY STATS: With its win over Chicago on Sunday, Orlando improved to 28-11 on the season at the Kia Center. It is the fourth-best home record for Orlando in the last 25 seasons (since 1999-2000) and the second-best ever at the Kia Center.