The Magic Insider

Jazz Facing 'Must-Win' vs. Magic? 5 Questions Ahead of Utah vs. Orlando Matchup

The Orlando Magic hosts the Utah Jazz Thursday night in a game that has a lot of importance for both teams in the standings.

Jeremy Brener

Jazz Facing 'Must-Win' vs. Magic? 5 Questions Ahead of Utah vs. Orlando Matchup
Jazz Facing 'Must-Win' vs. Magic? 5 Questions Ahead of Utah vs. Orlando Matchup /
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ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic looks to snap a two-game losing streak tomorrow night as Lauri Markkanen and the Utah Jazz come to town.

To learn more about the Jazz's current agenda, we spoke with The Frozen Rope: Inside the Jazz publisher Patrick Byrnes.

1. Is this game a must-win for the Jazz given their current playoff situation? 

It’s not a “must win.” Utah is only 1/2 game removed from the play-in tournament. With 17 games left on the schedule a 10-7 finish would likely get them in the play-in.

2. The Magic and Jazz played a tight game back in January. What adjustments do you think the Jazz will make from their last meeting?

It’s a much different team that Orlando faced back then. Utah had Mike Conley, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Nickeil Alexander Walker in their first meeting. Utah was the better team on paper that night. That won’t be the case tonight.

3. What's one thing people should know about the Jazz that cannot be found in a box score?

Utah appears to be in tank mode. They cashed their chips in at the trade deadline. They still have a formidable starting five if they suit up. If depth problems, though. 

4. If the Jazz win tonight, what would be the reason?

Huge night from Lauri Markkanen. He’ll be the best player on the court and will have to make up for Utah’s lack of depth. Whether Jordan Clarkson suits up will be something to keep an eye on. 

5. What's your prediction for tonight's game?

Magic by 7

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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