The Utah Jazz will face the Orlando Magic on February 29 (Thursday) at Kia Center Arena. This will be the second and final meeting between the two teams this season, with the Magic looking to sweep the series. They defeated the Jazz last year in November, 115-113. The win snapped Orlando’s three-game losing streak against Utah. Paolo Banchero scored 30 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks for the Magic in that match. The upcoming contest will be the 70th regular season meeting between the Jazz and Magic. The Jazz lead the all-time matchup 44-25.
Preview
The Utah Jazz are 3-7 in their last 10 games. They lost the first game of a three-game road trip against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. It was a crushing defeat that was decided in the first half itself. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic are coming off a big win over the Brooklyn Nets despite the absence of Banchero. The Magic have kept pace with the other Eastern Conference teams with their seventh win in their last 10 games.
Starting lineup
The Utah Jazz have Walker Kessler on the injury report, who is listed as questionable for the upcoming game. They are most likely to start with Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, Taylor Hendricks, Lauri Markkanen and John Collins. On the other hand, the Magic have listed two players as questionable: Paolo Banchero and Jonathan Isaac. If Banchero does not get the nod, Orlando is expected to start with Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Caleb Houstan, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr.
Betting tips & Prediction
If Banchero plays on Thursday, he has an over/under of 21.5 points. He is projected to lead the way and score 22.7 points. Banchero has scored at least 22 points twice in his last five games.
Lauri Markkanen is projected to go under 21.5 points in the upcoming game. He has gone under 21.5 points four times in his last five contests. He is favored to go under, so betting on him to score under 21.5 points will be better.
Franz Wagner also has an over/under of 21.5 points. He is favored to go over, even though he hasn’t scored more than 21.5 points in seven consecutive games. It may be safer to bet on him to go under.
Also Read: NBA Players Who Were Born On Leap Day (February 29)
The Orlando Magic are favorites to win against the Jazz at home. Orlando has been more consistent than Utah this season and will be playing at their home. Oddsmakers are predicting the Magic will win, the Jazz will cover the spread and the total will go over.
