The Magic And Jazz Are Seeking Rhythm

The visit of Utah to Orlando comes as both the Magic and Jazz are seeking rhythm to keep within range of the play-in tournament.

The Stats

Orlando have a 27-39 record, remaining 13th in the Eastern Conference.
The Magic remain just within the chasing pack for the play-in tournament. The Washington Wizards (who the Magic play twice) are in the 10th and last play-in spot with a 31-35 record. That sees Orlando 4 games back of Washington. Sandwiched between the Magic and Wizards are the Chicago Bulls (1 game back) and Indiana Pacers (2 games back). The race remains tight but Orlando can not afford any more slip ups. A winning run is required.
The Magic have won 4 of the last 10 games.
The Magic soon head onto a difficult West Coast road trip so the home form is important. At home Orlando won 15 of 33 games played.
Orlando score 111.2 points per game (28th of 30) but unfortunately concede 114 points per game (17th of 30).
Last time out the Magic fell to the Milwaukee Bucks by 134-123. Cole Anthony led the Magic in scoring with 23 points. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner combined effectively again for 20 and 21 points respectively. Scoring double figures also were Markelle Fultz, Goga Bitadze and Moritz Wagner.

The Jazz have somewhat faded after a good start to their rebuilding season. A 31-35 record puts them 13th in the Western Conference.
Utah have lost 4 straight games, winning 4 of their last 10 games played.
On the road Utah have won 11 of 33 games this season.
The Jazz score a very healthy 117 points per game (6th of 30th) and concede a near identical amount at 117.2 points per game (22nd of 30).
Utah played last on Wednesday, losing in Dallas to the Mavs by 116-120. Lauri Markkanen scored 33 points, with Talen Horton-Tucker adding a further 21.

For Orlando Jonathan Isaac (hamstring) and Wendell Carter Jr (hip) are out.
Kevon Harris (two-way) is again assigned to the Lakeland Magic so unavailable.
Admiral Schofield (concussion) is questionable for the Magic.
Gary Harris (hip) missed the last two games. He no longer appears on the latest Magic injury report.
Utah have Collin Sexton (hamstring) out.
The Jazz have questions also over Jordan Clarkson (hand) and Walker Kessler (illness).

As both the Magic and the Jazz are seeking rhythm it would not be surprising to see a hard fought, potentially high scoring game. The Jazz concede and score at an almost identical rate. Of late Orlando have struggled to contain opponents on the defensive end but have increased their points production.
Utah move the ball, rating 9th in assists. They shoot the three, taking 38.7 attempts per game. They make almost 36% of those shots. Offensive rebounds are another strength, getting them extra possessions and second chance points. When Utah utilise the two point shot they have good efficiency.
On defence the Jazz are top 10 listed for blocks.
Lauri Markkanen is having a season, scoring 25.3 points per game and top 20 in many offensive categories.
Having traded away veteran point guard Mike Conley at the deadline and with Sexton being out, Talen Horton-Tucker has been at the point.
Each team has an outstanding rookie. Number 22 pick Walker Kessler has outperformed all expectations at the Center position. He is ranked 4th amongst rookies on the season so far.
For Orlando Mo Wagner will continue as the starting centre and face competition from an equally determined opponent in Kelly Olynyk if Kessler does miss the game.
Paolo Banchero continues to lead the Magic scorers with 20 points per game, followed by Franz Wagner (18.8), Wendell Carter Jr (15), Markelle Fultz (13.4) and Cole Anthony (12.3).

This is the second and final meeting this season. The Jazz took the first 108-112. Franz Wagner lead the Magic in scoring then with 26, whilst Markkanen put up 28 for the Jazz.
Last season saw the series tied 1-1, each team winning on home court.
Prior to that Magic win the Jazz had won 5 games straight over Orlando.
Across the 67 regular season games played the Magic trail by 24-43.
The teams have never met in the playoffs.