Orlando Magic Fails to Launch in Loss vs. Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets proved too much for the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.

HOUSTON - The Orlando Magic couldn't grab a win on the road after falling to the Houston Rockets 118-106 on Tuesday night at the Toyota Center.

The Magic fell behind early thanks to some hot shooting from the Rockets and never grabbed the lead beyond the first quarter. Orlando cut the deficit to six points in the middle of the fourth quarter, but Houston had an answer for every Magic run.

Apr 9, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Orlando Magic guard Caleb Houstan (2) defends Houston Rockets

Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

The Magic was led by Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, who each scored 21 points apiece. Franz Wagner was out with an ankle sprain, and the Rockets sorely missed him on the court.

The Rockets were led by Fred VanVleet, who dropped a game-high 37 on 13 of 21 shooting from the field.

With the loss, the Magic squanders an opportunity to move up in the Eastern Conference standings. With the New York Knicks winning tonight, the Magic drops to No. 4 in the playoff picture. The Milwaukee Bucks' win over the Boston Celtics makes the gap two games between the two teams.

The Magic will have a chance to cut that gap in half tomorrow night when the team visits the Bucks. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.