Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic: Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

There are eight games scheduled for NBA Leap Day 2024, including the Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic. It's the second and final matchup of the season between the two teams, with the Magic looking for the series sweep. Let's look at the game's preview, prediction, starting lineups and betting tips.

Orlando outlasted the Jazz 115-113 on Nov. 2, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The win snapped the Magic's three-game losing streak against the Jazz. Paolo Banchero was the star of the show with 30 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks.

Thursday's game will be the 70th regular-season meeting between the Jazz and Magic. Utah has dominated the last 10 games against Orlando, winning eight. The Jazz are also ahead in the all-time matchup 44-25.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Also Read: "Remember when this man stood up while all the rest knelt" - NBA fans berate Jonathan Isaac for teasing to rock Donald Trump sneakers

Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic preview, prediction, odds and betting tips

The Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic game is on Wednesday at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. It starts at 7:00 p.m. EST and will be televised on KJZZ in Utah and Bally Sports Florida.

Moneyline: Jazz (+185) vs Magic (-215)

Spread: Jazz +6 (-115) vs Magic -6 (-105)

Total (O/U): Jazz o224 (-115) vs Magic u224 (-105)

Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic preview

The Utah Jazz are heading into Orlando with three wins in 10 games. The Jazz lost the first game of a three-game road trip on Tuesday against the Atlanta Hawks. It was a blowout loss that was decided in the first half.

Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic are coming off a big win over the Brooklyn Nets despite the absence of Paolo Banchero. The Magic remain on pace with other East teams with their seventh win in 10 games.

Also Read: D.J. Wagner NBA Draft Projection: 5 landing spots for Kentucky point guard ft. Utah Jazz and more

Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic starting lineups

The Utah Jazz have one player on their injury report – Walker Kessler – who is listed as questionable. Coach Will Hardy will likely use a starting lineup of Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, Taylor Hendricks, Lauri Markkanen and John Collins.

Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic have two players listed as questionable – Paolo Banchero and Jonathan Isaac. If Banchero won't get cleared, coach Jamahl Mosley is expected to use a starting five featuring Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Caleb Houstan, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr.

Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic betting tips

If Paolo Banchero plays, he has an over/under of 21.5 points. He's projected to go over and score 22.7 points. The All-Star has scored at least 22 points twice in his last five games. Take the risk and bet on him to continue struggling, as he has missed the last two contests due to illness.

Lauri Markkanen is projected to go under 21.5 points on Thursday night. He has gone under 21.5 points four times in his last five contests. He's favored to go under, so bet on him to score less than 21.5 points due to his struggles.

Franz Wagner, meanwhile, also has an over/under of 21.5 points. He's favored to go over even though he has not scored more than 21.5 points in seven straight games.

It might be safer to bet on him to go under, but it's not risky to take the favorable odds for him to break out of his slump.

Also Read: Dwight Howard's plea to dismiss sexual assault lawsuit rejected by court: What we know so far