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The Houston Rockets (39-25) and Orlando Magic (30-35) have been sliding down the standings in the second half, but both teams need to find some rhythm heading into the fast-approaching postseason. This is their first matchup this season, with these teams splitting the last three season series against one another. ( 8 ET, League Pass ).

Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard is averaging 3.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 33.2% shooting from the field in 45 games.

After a slow start to the season where he struggled to get minutes on a deep Rockets team — one that sent him to the G-League for a while — Reed Sheppard had started to find a groove in the last month.

However, Sheppard quickly became the team’s go-to weapon offensively, and NBA scouts took notice. The London (KY) native was the third-overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and was