Jazz Guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker Steals, Throws Ball Off Magic Player

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker recorded a heads-up play after stealing the ball during Utah’s home game against the Orlando Magic.

The Jazz hosted the Magic at Vivint Arena on Friday, January 13.

During the third quarter, Alexander-Walker stole the ball from Magic guard Jalen Suggs amidst an Orlando fast break. The Virginia Tech product was fallen out of bounds and proceeded to throw the ball off Suggs’ legs.

The play returned possession back to the Jazz.

define nickeil-and-dime 🤔#TakeNote | @NickeilAW pic.twitter.com/icSTaPRnY7

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 14, 2023

At the end of the quarter, the Jazz owned an 88-83 lead.

Alexander-Walker, who started the game in place of Mike Conley, had two points on 1-4 field goals. He added two rebounds and two steals during his first 15 minutes on the hardwood.

This season, Alexander-Walker is averaging 7.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.4 blocks, and 0.7 steals in 15.7 minutes per contest.

RELATED: Malik Beasley Buries Pair Of Three-Pointers To Start Magic-Jazz Game

Utah’s game against Orlando is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and KSL Sports Zone.

Magic vs. Jazz

Sexton Expected To Return For Jazz

After missing the last five games due to hamstring injury maintenance, Sexton expects to return to the Jazz lineup against the Magic.

The dynamic sixth man missed seven games after suffering a hamstring strain against the Golden State Warriors on December 7.

Sexton returned for five games late in the month but was shut down by the team after feeling continued discomfort.

LISTEN LIVE: The @utahjazz host the @OrlandoMagic on https://t.co/4kU961UAvR and the @KSLSportsZone.#TakeNote https://t.co/424ohrfzz1 pic.twitter.com/TcGkxKfTvo

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 14, 2023

“Things that I normally do, whether it’s pressing the ball, ball picking up full [court] here and there, it just felt a little off,” Sexton said. “I didn’t feel like it was strong enough.”

Sexton hasn’t played since the Jazz’s loss to the Miami Heat on New Year’s Eve but anticipated playing Friday.

“I feel good,” Sexton said. “Back tomorrow — definitely excited to be back on the floor. I feel ready to go.”

Starting center Kelly Olynyk will miss his second straight game with an ankle injury, while guard Talen Horton-Tucker is listed as questionable after missing the last two games with an ankle sprain.

Magic Start Road Trip Well

The Jazz mark the fourth game of a five-game road trip for the Magic.

Orlando needs just one more win in the final three games to guarantee themselves their second consecutive plus-.500 road trip after winning three out of four games in mid-December.

The Magic opened their current road trip with a rare win over the Golden State Warriors at Chase center before downing the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.

Orlando is led in scoring by rookie top-overall pick Paolo Banchero who averages 21.2 points per game. Second-year wing Franz Wagner is the Magic’s second-leading scorer at 20.2 points per contest.

game #43. your friday night plans 👇

🆚: @utahjazz
📍: Salt Lake City, UT
🕘: 9 P.M.
📺: @BallySportsFL
📻: @969thegame pic.twitter.com/pUiT37Rozd

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 13, 2023

After missing four games due to a non-Covid illness, breakout center Bol Bol was cleared to return to the floor against the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. However, the team opted to give him another night’s rest.

The center is expected to be available against the Jazz.

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