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Utah Jazz Week 13 Outlook: Jazz can continue climb up standings

By Jared Woodcox

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 05: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates late in the game with Ricky Rubio #3 while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 05, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Utah won the game 110-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 05: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates late in the game with Ricky Rubio #3 while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 05, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Utah won the game 110-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon (R) vies for the ball with Utah Jazz’s Kyle Korver during an NBA Global Games match at the Mexico City Arena, on December 15, 2018, in Mexico City. (Photo by PEDRO PARDO / AFP) (Photo credit should read PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images)
Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon (R) vies for the ball with Utah Jazz’s Kyle Korver during an NBA Global Games match at the Mexico City Arena, on December 15, 2018, in Mexico City. (Photo by PEDRO PARDO / AFP) (Photo credit should read PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images) /

1/9 Utah vs. Orlando

7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 17-21

Season series: Magic lead 1-0

So, yes, as hard as the Jazz worked to get back to .500, I’m expecting them to almost instantly slide back below it after facing the Bucks on Monday. However, they’ll have a great chance to return to an even record in the game immediately following as they’ll return home to face the Orlando Magic.

Yes, the Jazz learned the hard way in an ugly contest in Mexico City that the Magic can’t be overlooked. Nevertheless, this is a team that’s struggling to find its footing and, as such, the Jazz should be well equipped to take care of business and defeat them, especially on their home court.

Prior to the loss in Mexico City, the Jazz had won four straight against Orlando, most of them in commanding fashion. Much like the Detroit Pistons, the Magic have a prolific frontcourt duo of Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon, but a less than frightening backcourt, supporting cast or bench. Even Gordon’s shooting figures have been less than impressive this year, and while Evan Fournier has been a stud in years past, his efficiency from deep this season is at a career low.

Thus, as long as the Jazz remain focused and play similarly to how they have in the second halves of both the contest in Cleveland and Detroit, this should be a very manageable game for them where they have the potential to win big. In all honesty, I expect them to do just that.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 110, Orlando 93

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