The Utah Jazz are strategically easing off their competitive efforts this season to improve their draft position. As it stands, they have the fifth-best lottery odds for the 2025 draft, translating to a 10.5% chance of landing the coveted No. 1 pick, with the possibility of falling no lower than the ninth pick.

With seven teams in contention for the top spots, the coming week is crucial for Utah. They are scheduled to face five teams also vying for better draft positioning, starting with the Brooklyn Nets, who, after a promising start, have shifted to tanking mode. Following the Nets, Utah will host the struggling Charlotte Hornets and then compete against the New Orleans Pelicans, where they will contend with a healthy Zion Williamson.

The Orlando Magic are set to face the Utah Jazz in a one-off home game on Sunday evening at the Kia Center, with tipoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. The Magic currently hold a 21-15 record, placing them fourth in the Eastern Conference, despite dealing with significant injuries throughout the season. In contrast, the Jazz come into the matchup with an 8-25 record, looking to build on a recent victory over the Miami Heat, which snapped a five-game losing streak.

Both teams are grappling with injury challenges. The Orlando Magic will be without several key players, including Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Moe Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. Banchero's absence marks his 32nd game due to a right oblique tear, while Suggs suffered a low back strain in the previous game against Toronto. On the other hand, the Utah Jazz are uncertain about Jordan Clarkson's status, as he deals with plantar fasciitis, while Taylor Hendricks remains sidelined with a broken leg and ankle injury.

The Detroit Pistons are looking to extend their winning streak as they face the Utah Jazz, following a close overtime win against the Miami Heat.

Both teams are dealing with significant injury concerns. Utah's star guard Collin Sexton is available to play despite a finger issue, having maintained a strong presence on the court this season.

Sexton has averaged 16 points per game, showcasing his shooting efficiency. His previous matchups against the Pistons have also been productive, particularly during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Utah Jazz are currently struggling, projected to win only 16 games this season, but ESPN's Power Index suggests a potential improvement to 22 wins by season's end.

Despite their youth and depth issues, the Jazz have a chance to bolster their record with upcoming games against weaker teams. Their current position in the lottery could lead to a top-five pick, depending on their trade decisions regarding veterans like Collin Sexton and John Collins.

The Utah Jazz's rebuilding efforts appear to be stagnating, despite signing Lauri Markkanen to a five-year extension. While Markkanen is a solid player, he isn't enough to lead the team to a championship. The Jazz have a wealth of draft picks, but recent first-round selections like Keyonte George, Cody Williams, and Taylor Hendricks have yet to show they can be foundational pieces.

George, despite his potential, struggles with efficiency and turnovers. The Jazz's attempts to trade for stars like Brandon Ingram highlight the challenges of attracting top talent to a small market. Looking ahead, the Jazz need to excel in the upcoming drafts to rebuild effectively and remain competitive during Markkanen's prime.