Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic 3/9/23 – Thursday night the Orlando Magic look to stay ahead in the Eastern Conference playoff race when they host Utah Jazz. At 27-39 on the season, Orlando trails behind 31-35 for Utah; they defeated Magic 112-108 back in January at home. However, Orlando Magic was the favorite in the NBA betting apps.
Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic
Date & Time: Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET
Location: Amway Center
Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic Betting Odds
Jazz
Moneyline: -105
Spread: -1 (+102)
Total: TBD
Magic
Moneyline: -105
Spread: +1 (+112)
Total: TBD
Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic Analysis
The Utah Jazz have dropped out of the Western Conference playoff race after losing 4 straight to drop to 31-35. But they remain only a half game behind New Orleans, Oklahoma City, and Portland (all 31-34 and tied for 10th place). On Tuesday they suffered a 120-116 defeat at Dallas where they battled hard despite being an 11 point underdog; but ultimately fell short. Lauri Markkanen led Utah with 33 points and 6 rebounds, improving on his season average of 25.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Talen Horton Tucker added 21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists while Kelly Olynyk chipped in with 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. The Jazz average 117 points per game which ranks 7th in the league; they give up 117 as well. They played without Jordan Clarkson and Walker Kessler who remain questionable for Thursday while Collin Sexton will remain out until mid-March.
The Orlando Magic are falling further behind in the Eastern Conference playoff race. At 27-39, they’re 4.5 games behind Washington for the 10th playoff spot – making it seem like a pipe dream. But if they want to make it, they need to go on an incredible run – which they did on Tuesday when they suffered a 134-123 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Magic shot 50% from the field, but allowed the Bucks to shoot 59%. Cole Anthony led all scorers with 23 points while Franz Wagner added 21 points and 6 assists. Paolo Banchero scored 20 points while Mo Wagner added 18 points plus 8 rebounds for Markelle Fultz’ 16 points. Orlando ranks 28th in points per game in the NBA while their defense ranks 17th – led by Banchero’s average of 20 points per game.
Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic Against the Spread
Utah are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games. Utah are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games. Utah are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games against Orlando. Utah are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games against Orlando. Utah are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road. Utah are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Orlando.
Orlando are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games. The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Orlando’s last 13 games. Orlando are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games. The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando’s last 10 games against Utah. Orlando are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games at home. Orlando are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games when playing at home against Utah.
Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic Free Pick
Utah is in a better position than Orlando to secure a playoff spot, but they come into this game with some disadvantages. They are in the middle of an extended road trip that has not yet produced success and could potentially be without two of their key players – Clarkson and Kessler. Orlando Magic would do better by trying hard and hoping for success, while also cultivating a winning culture. The Orlando Magic has the best NBA picks on their side and they are all set to take out the Utah Jazz and win this game.
Free Pick: Orlando Magic +1 (-112)
