by Alma Bean

Feature Image by Trent Nelson of the Salt Lake Tribune

In a quick turnover, the Utah Jazz (2-3) take on the Orlando Magic (2-2) in their final game of their two-game homestand.

What to Look For

Orlando is looking to be a difficult matchup across the board. Orlando currently second in the league in opponent points per game (101.8 PPG) where Utah is 25th (118.6 PPG). Though the gap is quite large, both teams have a four-point differential, just Orlando is positive and Utah is negative. Orlando having six players averaging 10+ PPG led by Franz Wagner, who is on pace to have career-highs in assists, points and rebounds this season. Given Orlando’s lack of seven-footers, the matchup with Wagner and John Collins will be interesting to watch whether Collins will hug the perimeter or be the lob threat that he was known for in Atlanta.

Key of the Game

Perimeter shooting. Orlando has been able to excel in most points of the game this season except for perimeter shooting. Currently 26th in the league in three-point shooting percentage (30.7%) where Utah is currently seventh (37.6%). After the shooting night that Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton, who combined shot 12/18 (66.7%) from the perimeter on Wednesday night, this might be the deciding factor in tonight’s matchup. Orlando is going to need to rely on Gary Harris, who has been shooting 56.3 percent from the perimeter this season on four attempts per game.

Injury Report

Orlando – Kevon Harris (G League) Out, Trevelin Queen (G League) Out

Utah – Josh Christopher (G League) Out, Johnny Juzang (G League) Out, Walker Kessler (elbow) Probable, Micah Potter (G League) Out

Where to Watch

Tip-off will be at 7:00 p.m. MST on KJZZ and Jazz+.

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