Orlando is dealing with a slew of injuries ahead of tonight’s game vs. Utah, which means someone will have to step up. Zak Hanshew explains why he believes Tristan da Silva can be that guy for the Magic.
Fresh off a 36-point blowout victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday, the Utah Jazz will look to win on back-to-back nights when they visit the shorthanded Orlando Magic at Kia Center.
My Jazz vs. Magic predictions expect rookie Tristan da Silva to continue his strong play on offense and step up as a scorer with multiple key weapons sidelined for Orlando.
Jazz vs Magic prediction
My best bet
Tristan da Silva Over 15.5 points (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The rookie out of Colorado has seen meaningful playing time right out of the gate, averaging a healthy 25.5 minutes per game. He’s averaged just nine points per game through 33 appearances, but numerous key injuries have forced him to step up as of late.
His offensive production has been a mixed bag, but Tristan da Silva will be leaned on heavily tonight. Across his last six, da Silva has averaged a hair under 14 points per game, posting scoring totals of 25, 0, 21, 0, 18, and 18. The two donuts have dragged that scoring average down, but he’s contributed 16 or more in four of his last six.
In that six-game stretch, da Silva is the Orlando Magic’s second-leading scorer behind Jalen Suggs. Suggs is sidelined tonight, as are Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. With Mo Wagner done for the season and Anthony Black questionable, it will be up to da Silva and Cole Anthony to carry the load on offense.
Though da Silva’s scoring output has been mixed with big games and goose eggs, he’s got a golden opportunity to shine against the Utah Jazz. Utah is ranked last in defensive rating, and the team has allowed the fourth-most points to opponents this season. That includes the seventh-most points to small forwards at 23.2. Over the last 15 games, Utah has allowed opposing small forwards to score 24.5 points (fifth-most).
I’ll gladly take a chance on Orlando’s under-the-radar rookie who will be forced to step up as a scorer as the Magic fight through this battle of attrition.
Jazz vs Magic same-game parlay
Orlando has been one of the best teams straight up and ATS at home this season, but the Magic have started to show cracks in recent games. Across their last seven at home, the Magic are just 2-4-1 ATS, and the team is 1-4 ATS across their last five overall. Utah is 4-2 ATS across its last six overall, and the Jazz have covered five of their last six on the road. The Magic are 10-3 as the home favorite this season, but the Jazz are 11-8 as the road dog. With Suggs the latest Magic player to succumb to injury, Orlando will be down three starters and at least one key role player. Utah has played well as of late, delivering a 36-point blowout victory over Miami on Saturday. I’ll take the now-healthy Jazz to keep it close against a depleted Magic squad.
I’m not calling any bull оn the Young Bull’s scoring production, and I’m taking him tо hit the Over оn this ridiculously low-scoring line. Collin Sexton has scored 17 оr more points іn eight straight and averaged 21.9 points іn that span. He’s hit the Over оn this one іn 18 оf 33 games this season, and he’s been at his best оn the road. Sexton has averaged 18.7 points per game оn the road compared tо 16.1 at home, and he’s hit the Over іn a whopping 13 оf 19 games away from Delta Center. Orlando has been one оf the best defenses іn the NBA this season, but the team will be shorthanded tonight, and I expect Sexton tо stay hot.
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