Utah Jazz Struggle to Snap Skid Against Surging Magic

Utah looks to end 11-loss-in-13-games slump against Orlando's stifling defense

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:47pm

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The struggling Utah Jazz visit the Orlando Magic on Saturday night, hoping to end their recent woes. Utah has lost 11 of its last 13 games, including a narrow 121-119 defeat to the Hawks on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Magic snapped a two-game skid with a dominant 118-98 win over the Nets, led by strong performances from Desmond Bane, Paolo Banchero, and Jalen Suggs. The Jazz will be shorthanded, with Walker Kessler ruled out and Kevin Love and Keyonte George listed as questionable. The Magic have also ruled out Franz Wagner. Despite Utah's recent struggles, the team was competitive against the Hawks and may be able to keep the game close against the favored Magic.

Why it matters

This matchup features two teams heading in opposite directions, with the Jazz mired in a slump and the Magic looking to build momentum after a convincing win. The outcome could have implications for the Eastern and Western Conference playoff races, as the Magic aim to solidify their position while the Jazz try to turn things around.

The details

The Jazz have been in a major funk, losing 11 of their last 13 games. In their most recent defeat, they squandered an early 12-point lead against the Hawks before falling 121-119 on a last-second shot. Isaiah Collier led Utah with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Ace Bailey added 20 points. The Magic, on the other hand, snapped a two-game skid with a 118-98 win over the Nets on Thursday. Desmond Bane scored 23 points, Paolo Banchero had 22 points and 4 assists, and Jalen Suggs recorded a triple-double of 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.

  • The Jazz and Magic face off on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM EST.
  • The Jazz are coming off a narrow 121-119 loss to the Hawks on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • The Magic snapped a two-game skid with a 118-98 win over the Nets on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Isaiah Collier

A Jazz player who led the team with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists in their recent loss to the Hawks.

Ace Bailey

A Jazz player who scored 20 points in the team's narrow defeat against the Hawks.

Desmond Bane

A Magic player who scored a team-high 23 points in their win over the Nets.

Paolo Banchero

A Magic player who added 22 points and 4 assists in their victory against the Nets.

Jalen Suggs

A Magic player who recorded a triple-double of 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in their win over the Nets.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to end this slump and get back on track. These close losses are tough, but we have to keep fighting.”

— Isaiah Collier, Jazz Player (source not specified)

“It was great to see our defense set the tone and lead to an efficient offensive performance. We need to build on this momentum going forward.”

— Jalen Suggs, Magic Player (source not specified)

What’s next

The Jazz will look to get healthy and find a way to end their recent skid, while the Magic aim to continue their strong play and solidify their position in the Eastern Conference standings.

The takeaway

This matchup between the struggling Jazz and the surging Magic highlights the importance of consistency and defense in the NBA. While Utah has the talent to compete, their recent slump has put them in a precarious position. Orlando, on the other hand, has shown the ability to win games with a balanced attack and stifling defense, a formula they'll look to replicate against the visiting Jazz.