Magic plus 10 at Jazz
Jonathan Isaac is a rookie power forward averaging less than five points a game. But Isaac brings a defensive presence and a spark. He just returned from an injury. The Magic are 10-7 when Isaac plays and 10-36 without him.
There’s more than meets the eye to the Magic than their 20-43 record. They have covered 15 of the last 19 times as an underdog, including nine of their last 10 road games. Only twice in their last 12 games has Orlando lost by double-digits.
The Magic are a lottery team again. But they are playing hard and finally healthy with center Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier and Isaac all playing. This hasn’t been the case for much of the season. Vucevic is averaging 17.3 points in six games since returning from a broken hand. He’ll draw the attention of Rudy Gobert.
Utah has been hot winning 14 of its last 16 games. The Jazz, though, weren’t that sharp in their last game, a 98-91 road win against Sacramento two days ago. They are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven games.
Utah doesn’t have the talent level to win by double-digits if not playing well. A non-conference matchup against a bad team isn’t likely to be a huge motivation factor for the Jazz.
Note, too, that the Magic have covered during their last five visits to Utah.
(Editor’s note: Stephen Nover is having another winning NBA season going 42-27 on his last 69 premium/free plays. Please email Stephen if interested in his sports service.)
