3/5 Utah vs. Orlando
7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass
Opponent record: 20-43
Season series: Jazz lead 1-0
A lot has changed since the Utah Jazz and Orlando Magic last faced off. In that game, the Jazz exploded for a commanding 125-85 victory that was a huge surprise considering how poorly they had been playing on the road at that point. The win was largely sparked by 31 points from Rodney Hood, who ironically is no longer with the team.
That victory also came immediately following a pair of disappointing losses to the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, whereas the Magic, due to their hot start, were still viewed as a potentially tough opponent. That led many to wonder who this Jazz team really was and how good they could be this year. There have been a lot of ups and downs since then and, quite honestly, I think it will take until the season’s end to truly determine the nature of this Jazz team.
Setting all that aside, though, the fact of the matter is that these are two completely different teams now facing different situations. The Jazz are battling for a playoff spot while the Magic are likely thinking more about the 2018 NBA Draft. Nevertheless, they have played relatively well of late as they come in with a two-game winning streak over the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies.
In spite of their struggles this season, the Magic still have plenty of talented players that can be dangerous and a coach in Frank Vogel that I feel is underappreciated in the league, and despite potential front office intentions to tank, will instill a never-say-die mentality in his team nonetheless.
Therefore, this is a team that’s playing well and has little to lose and that could make them very dangerous. Nevertheless, I’m still feeling confident that the Jazz will come out on top in this one.
Not only has Utah played exceptionally well against Orlando in their past three meetings, but the Magic are just 7-25 away from home, so I think the Jazz will be able to dominate on their home court. Utah hasn’t had any one game since the break where I’d say they looked great, but they’ve been able to grind out wins over inferior teams nonetheless.
I’d love to see Utah get back to their superb ways and put up a dominating win on Monday, but whether they do or not, I’m pretty confident that they’ll arise victorious nonetheless.
My Prediction: Jazz Win
Final Score: Utah 107, Orlando 98