Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic Prediction: The Magic has been inspiring, the Jazz needs to finish well

NBA is on and the midseason window continues to plunge us into weird territories. There are teams that are in desperate need of trades while other squads despite having worse records seem to be heading in the right direction. There is no doubt that the degree of expectations from different varies and also evolves as the season develops. The Orlando Magic has evolved too and they will take on a high-scoring but struggling Utah Jazz squad.

The Magic come into the game after defeating the Trail Blazers 109:106 as Franz Wagner posted 29 points. The Magic has won three of their last five games and after starting the season with 5 wins and 20 losses, they have improved to 16 wins and 26 losses. They have won 11 out of their last 17 games which is highly impressive for a unit fielding a rookie, a sophomore, two inexperienced players, and only one experienced option. The Guard rotations have done well but overall it is the frontline of Banchero, Bol, and Wagner. And Carter Jr that has been elevating the team’s play on both ends.

The Jazz enters the affair after defeating the Cavaliers 116:114 as Jordan Clarkson inserted 32 points. The Jazz has split their last four games but has lost seven out of their last nine games. They have lost 23 and won 21 games and things could have been different if they had closed out well. Their last seven losses have been in 1-8 points range, mostly going to the last seconds, where their defense has abandoned them. Utah has one of the worst interior defenses in the league and their lack of size has hurt them. Lauri Markkanen has been their best scorer, averaging over 24 and being the leading candidate for the Most Improved Player award. The guard rotations have been producing a lot but there are glaring inconsistencies.

The Jazz can score a ton of points and they are one of the best defensive teams but their campaign is a mirror of how the Hornets played last season, put up big points but also give up points and then lose the way late. Magic’s size can bother the Jazz a bit but they have an advantage in terms of the Guard rotations. I believe the Jazz will take advantage of their guard depth and come up with a win. I predict a scoreline of 126:118 in Jazz’s favor.