The Utah Jazz still sit atop the Western Conference with a 37-11 record, and they’ll take on a struggling Orlando Magic team this Saturday. The Jazz have performed at a high level with the same core all year, but the Magic are dealing with a lot of new pieces in the aftermath of the NBA’s trade deadline last month. We broke down how you can attack Showdown contests centered around this matchup on DraftKings.
Captain’s Picks
Donovan Mitchell ($14,700) hit the ground running after returning from a one-game layoff on April 2 and put up 37.25 DKFP on a poor shooting night. He remains the top option for the Jazz on offense and is likely to take more shots than any other player in this game. However, Utah is favored by 15 points at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you think this game will be a blowout, captaining Mitchell isn’t in your best interests. Jordan Clarkson ($10,800) runs the second unit and could be a pivot worth considering in a lopsided matchup. He’s a threat to light this game up in garbage time and has been known to steal the show in close games as well.
FLEX Plays
Chuma Okeke ($7,000) has gone on a tear since Orlando’s power forward depth chart became a barren wasteland. The rookie’s post-deadline average of 33.25 DKFP per game is nothing to scoff at, and he’s doing a lot more the scoring. Okeke was a highly touted defender out of college and has amassed five steals and three blocks over his last four games, but his [playmaking has been a pleasant surprise. Okeke has dished 13 dimes since Aaron Gordon was traded to the Denver Nuggets.
Terrence Ross (ankle) ($8,200) and Michael Carter-Wiliams (Illness) ($6,600)are questionable to play, and their absences could open up opportunities for some big-time value plays. Dwayne Bacon ($6,000) RJ Hampton ($2,600) could both get a hefty boost from a depleted backcourt. Bacon has flashed the most potential and boasts a post-deadline scoring average of 16.3 points.
Fades
Khem Birch ($5,200) is also questionable because of an illness, but you shouldn’t expect all Orlando’s backup centers to get a big boost if he’s ruled out. Wendell Carter Jr. ($6,200) is fresh off a 21-point double-double in 31 minutes off the bench, so don’t get sucked into backing on a big game for Mo Bamba ($5,000). Injuries elsewhere could make other flex plays more desirable.
The Outcome
The Jazz are one of the NBA’s toughest teams at full strength, and the Magic are very banged up. The favorite is at home as well, so I expect the underdog to lose by at least 10 points.
Final score: Jazz win 120-103