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Magic vs. Jazz NBA expert prediction and odds for Thursday, Nov. 2 (Trust Utah at home)

By Peter Dewey

Oct 28, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Utah Jazz picked up a blowout win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, and they’ll look to make it two straight wins when they host the Orlando Magic on Thursday.

Orlando has lost back-to-back games on its road trip against the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, and the team needs more from star Paolo Banchero, who is averaging just 12.5 points per game this season.

Utah’s defense has been a concern this season (27th in the league in defensive rating), so could this be a bounce-back spot for the Magic?

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Magic vs. Jazz odds, spread, and total

Magic vs. Jazz how to watch

  • Date: Tuesday, Nov. 2
  • Game Time: 9:00 p.m. EST
  • Venue: Vivint Smart Home Arena
  • How to Watch (TV): Root Sports Northwest, Bally Sports Florida, NBA League Pass
  • Orlando Magic Record: 2-2
  • Utah Jazz Record: 2-3

Magic vs. Jazz injury reports

Orlando Magic injury report

  • Kevon Harris – out (G League)
  • Trevelin Queen – out (G League)

Utah Jazz injury report

  • Injury report has not been submitted yet

Magic vs. Jazz key players to watch

Orlando Magic

Paolo Banchero: It’s been a slow start to the 2023-24 season for Paolo Banchero, but he may be finding something after scoring a season-high 15 points against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Magic need Banchero (37.8 percent shooting from the field) to be better if they want any chance at making the playoffs this season.

Utah Jazz

Collin Sexton: Sexton is thriving in a bench role for the Jazz this season, averaging 14.2 points per game while shooting 40.0 percent from beyond the arc. He enters this game as Utah’s second-leading scorer, and he could have a bigger role with this game being the second night of a back-to-back.

Lauri Markkanen: An All-Star last season, Markkanen has picked up where he left off, averaging 23.8 points per game so far this season. The most impressive part about his start to the season is how efficient he’s been – shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 46.7 percent from 3.

Magic vs. Jazz prediction and pick

Orlando has the No. 3 defensive rating in the NBA, but I’m starting to wonder if the team’s 2-0 start was simply a product of it playing the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers.

Orlando wilted against a step-up in competition, getting blown out by the Clippers on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, the Jazz have relied on playing uptempo basketball (10th in pace) where they look to outscore their opponents rather than stop them.

This is a clash of styles, but I think Utah is the team to bet with this game being set as a pick’em at home.

The Jazz went 23-18 at home last season despite finishing the season with a 37-45 record. The team was just 14-27 away from Vivint Smart Home Arena.

Orlando’s road trip may go from bad to worse, so I’ll ride with the home team to get the win tonight.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey’s betting record here.

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