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Magic Wands: Orlando Magic vs. Utah Jazz — Dec. 15, 2018

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 18, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 18, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic wrap up their trip to Mexico City looking for a sweep of the games. They take on a struggling and tired Utah Jazz team.

Utah Jazz (14-15) vs. Orlando Magic (13-15)

Time/TV: 5 p.m./NBATV, FOX Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-JAZZ ON FUBO TV
Line: Jazz by 5
Tickets: $104 on Vivid Seats
2019 Season Series: Tonight in Mexico City; Jan. 9 in Salt Lake City

PaceOff. Rtg.Def. Rtg.eFG%O.Reb.%TO%FTR
Utah100.4106.8106.753.226.715.831.0
Orlando99.0104.9108.051.124.813.919.5

1) D.J. Augustin is playing past everyone’s expectations and doubts to be one of the key players for the Orlando Magic. He has become one of the Orlando Magic’s most indispensable players, John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com writes.

2) The Orlando Magic’s road to the Playoffs will be a winding journey. And these recent struggles are proof. The team will have to improve. Garrett Townsend of Orlando Pinstriped Post writes the team would be one of the worst teams by net rating to make the Playoffs if things stay on this course.

3) The Orlando Magic have the pieces to be an elite defensive team, Josh Cohen of OrlandoMagic.com writes.

4) Jonathan Isaac is ready to bring his impact back to the starting lineup, Jean Racine writes.

5) Donovan Mitchell’s struggles passing are part of his growth process, but still tough to watch, Zach Lowe of ESPN writes.

6) Shane Rhodes of Basketball Insiders breaks down the trade market for the teams in the Southeast Division.

7) Nikola Vucevic is playing out of his mind right now. And good thing too. The Orlando Magic needed every bit of it to defeat the Chicago Bulls, Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes.

8) Mohamed Bamba has a ton of defensive potential. But he still has a lot of development to go to realize it.

9) The Kyle Korver effect is real for the Utah Jazz and is changing everything, Ryan Aston of The J Notes writes.

10) Saturday’s game is just another road trip for the Utah Jazz, but it is a big moment for Mexico City, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune writes. Even with a major soccer game happening nearby, the Arena Ciudad de Mexico was sold out and loud for their NBA treat, Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes.

11) The trip to Mexico City is part of a crazy schedule for the Utah Jazz to start the season, Jared Woodcox of The J Notes writes. They have been inconsistent throughout this entire winding road, Jason S. Walker of SLC Dunk writes.

12) The Orlando Magic have a chance to show just how much they have improved with their upcoming schedule, John Black writes.

13) Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City ranked poorly in ESPN’s Outside the Lines report on stadium food code violations, but county officials say the venue’s food is safe, Sean P. Means of The Salt Lake Tribune writes. The Amway Center ranked very highly among NBA venues.

14) I helped survey the Orlando sports scene last week on WMFE’s Intersection.