Jazz vs Magic Prediction NBA Picks 2/29/24

Orlando Magic (33-26) vs Utah Jazz (27-32)

Game Info: Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 7:00 pm (Kia Center)

Betting Odds: Orlando Magic -4.5 -- Over/Under: 220.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Utah Jazz pay a visit to the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center on Thursday night. Here’s a Jazz vs Magic Prediction.

Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz have been in a real slump as they've lost six of their last seven games overall and they will be hoping to bounce back after getting thrashed by the Hawks in a 124-97 road defeat on Tuesday. Collin Sexton led the team with 22 points and six steals, Keyonte George and Walker Kessler each scored 14 points while Lauri Markkanen chipped in with just 11 points on four of 13 shooting. As a team, the Jazz shot just 37 percent from the field and 11 of 38 from the 3-point line as they got off to a terrible start, scoring just 18 points in the first quarter and getting outpaced right till the end to suffer one of their worst defeats of the season.

Orlando Magic

Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic have been in great shape as they've won nine of their last 12 games overall and they will be eager to stay hot after blowing past the Nets in a 108-81 home win on Tuesday. Franz Wagner led the team with 21 points and five assists on eight of 11 shooting, Moritz Wagner added 16 points while Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony scored 12 points apiece. As a team, the Magic shot 52 percent from the field and nine of 25 from the 3-point line, but this win was set up by their defense as they held the Nets to just 19 points in the second quarter, before they dominated the third quarter by 30-15 to lead by as many as 33 points at one stage. The Magic will face the Pistons and Hornets after this game.

Orlando Magic Player Facts

Jalen Suggs ranks 3rd in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.4) this season.
Franz Wagner ranks 18th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (85.4%) this season.

Utah Jazz Player Facts

Lauri Markkanen ranks 1st amongst qualified Centers for three-pointers made Per Game (3.2) this season.
Collin Sexton ranks 22nd amongst qualified players for FT% (86.8%) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

The Magic rank 1st in the league for opponent assists per game this season (24.1).
The Magic rank 30th in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (11.0).
The Jazz rank 30th in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (6.5).
The Jazz rank 30th in the league for turnovers per game this season (15.9).

Jazz vs Magic Prediction

The Jazz are still shorthanded with Otto Porter Jr ruled out and Walker Kessler listed as questionable, while the Magic are keeping eyes on Jonathan Isaac and Paolo Banchero who are both questionable for this one. This is a game where you definitely want to check the lineups before tipoff, but assuming that Banchero suits up for the Magic, I'm sticking with the Magic to maintain their momentum with another win and cover in a close one.