RADIO
Jett Howard Good to Go on Wednesday
Orlando Magic forward Jett Howard (ankle) will play in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Howard missed the final five games of the regular season due to a sprained left ankle, but he has been cleared to return for tonight's matchup in Philadelphia. The 22-year-old averaged 5.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 12.6 minutes per game this season, so his fantasy impact is expected to be minimal in this contest.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jett Howard Iffy for Wednesday
Orlando Magic small forward Jett Howard (ankle) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 22-year-old sprained his left ankle late in the regular season, missing the last five games. According to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, Howard was limited to movement work and didn't take any contact during Tuesday's practice. Considering this, it wouldn't be surprising to see Howard miss another game. However, Orlando should cope with his absence, as Howard contributed only 5.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 12.6 minutes per game during the regular season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jonathan Isaac Questionable for Wednesday
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's play-in contest against the Philadelphia 76ers. Isaac practiced on Tuesday but didn't do any contact work, which doesn't bode well for his chances of returning to the lineup. Orlando was without Isaac for 21 of the last 22 regular-season games. Even when in the lineup, Isaac has been limited to 10.0 minutes per game this season. His defensive ability would be an asset to the team, but in general, the 28-year-old isn't a major loss.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Wendell Carter Jr. Active Against Minnesota
According to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (nose) is available for Wednesday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 26-year-old has been cleared to play after suffering a nasal fracture in Monday's win over Detroit, exiting the contest after logging just 18 minutes. Despite the injury, Carter is expected to handle his usual minutes. He is averaging 12.1 points and 7.4 rebounds across 29.5 minutes per game in 75 appearances this season.
Source: Jason Beede
Source: Jason Beede
Wendell Carter Jr. Iffy for Wednesday
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (nose) is considered questionable for Wednesday's contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 26-year-old big man suffered a nasal fracture in Monday's win over Detroit, leaving the game after logging only 18 minutes. Goga Bitadze's workload increased on Monday night, and the same is likely to happen on Wednesday if Carter Jr. isn't available. Moritz Wagner would also move up on the depth chart. Bitadze had nine points, four rebounds, one assist, three blocks, and one steal in 24 minutes on Monday in a tough matchup against Jalen Duren. His life won't be any easier on Wednesday versus Rudy Gobert.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Wendell Carter Jr. Posts Season-High 28 Points
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. delivered 28 points, six rebounds, and three assists in 36 minutes during Friday's 138-127 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Carter shot 8-of-16 from the field and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line while setting a new season high in scoring. He has now scored in double figures in 12 of his last 13 games and continues to provide efficient scoring around the basket. Carter remains a solid category league center thanks to his steady role alongside Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane.
Source: Jason Beede
Source: Jason Beede
Desmond Bane Delivers Strong All-Around Line
Orlando Magic guard/forward Desmond Bane finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 33 minutes during Friday's 138-127 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Bane shot 8-of-13 from the field and 3-of-5 from three while adding eight free throws. He has now scored at least 20 points in three of his last five games and is averaging 20.4 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers during that span. Bane remains a strong fantasy starter in all formats, providing steady scoring and across-the-board production alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Franz Wagner Cleared to Suit Up on Wednesday
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com, Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (ankle) is available for Wednesday's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks. Wagner has appeared in just four contests since December 7 due to a left high-ankle sprain. However, he's been cleared to return this evening after missing 22 games. The 24-year-old is averaging 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 31.8 minutes across 28 appearances this season. Wagner will likely play under a minutes restriction initially, but he remains a strong fantasy option with the potential to quickly regain his usual role.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Franz Wagner Trending Toward Return
According to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said forward Franz Wagner (ankle) is "progressing well." The 24-year-old has participated in physical contact and 5-on-5 work as he ramps up toward a return. Mosley added that the team will monitor Wagner's response to treatment before determining the next steps. Wagner has been sidelined since February 11 due to a high-grade ankle sprain, but he appears to be trending toward a potential return for Wednesday's matchup against Atlanta.
Source: Jason Beede
Source: Jason Beede
Jalen Suggs Available on Thursday
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (illness) is available to suit up for Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Suggs missed the last two games due to illness but is good to go for tonight's matchup. The 24-year-old has averaged 14.9 points, 4.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 30.1 minutes per contest across his last eight outings. Jevon Carter and Jamal Cain's roles will decrease now that Suggs is back in the lineup, after the two shared starting duties during his absence.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Jalen Suggs Could Miss Third Consecutive Game
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (illness) is in danger of missing a third consecutive game, as the team has listed him as questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Sacramento Kings. The versatile guard has been feeling under the weather and missed a back-to-back set against Indiana and Cleveland at the start of the week. Jevon Carter and Jamal Cain have shared starts during Suggs' absence. After Carter's two-point dud on Monday night against Indiana, Cain got the nod on Tuesday and delivered a strong performance against Cleveland with 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Carter was productive off the bench, so it seems likely that Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley won't tinker with his lineup if Suggs remains out against Sacramento.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Anthony Black Misses 11th Straight Game
Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (abdomen) won't be in action on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings, missing an 11th consecutive contest. The 22-year-old remains without a timeline for his return, but his next opportunity to rejoin the lineup will be on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors. In Black's absence, Tristan da Silva is poised to make another start. He's kicked off this week with two impressive performances, averaging 19.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across matchups with Indiana and Cleveland. It should be another fun night for da Silva and the Magic against the Kings, who give up the third-most points in the league at 121.2 per game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Franz Wagner Remains Out Thursday
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (ankle) will remain out on Thursday night against the Sacramento Kings. An ankle injury will keep him sidelined for a 19th consecutive game. While it's unclear when Wagner will return, his practice stint with the G League's Osceola Magic earlier this week suggests that the German star is nearing his comeback. Orlando will wrap up this week on Sunday with a game against the Toronto Raptors. With Anthony Black (abdomen) also out, Tristan da Silva will continue to have an expanded role.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Anthony Black Remains Out Tuesday
Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (abdomen) has been ruled out for Tuesday's Eastern Conference clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He suffered an abdominal strain earlier this month and will be unavailable for a 10th consecutive game. In his absence, Tristan da Silva will continue to start, and he will enter Tuesday's game with positive momentum. Da Silva finished as Orlando's second-highest scorer in Monday's 128-126 loss to Indiana, posting 21 points on 9-for-16 shooting. He has averaged 11.7 points and 4.3 rebounds as a starter this season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Suggs to Miss Second Consecutive Game
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (illness) will remain sidelined on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Due to illness, Suggs was unable to play on Monday night versus Indiana, and the team has also quickly ruled him out for the second game of a back-to-back. Jevon Carter filled in for Suggs in the starting lineup against Indiana but was a massive disappointment. After scoring at least 10 points in four consecutive games, Carter managed just two points. To make things worse, he didn't register a single assist in 24 minutes. On Tuesday, Carter faces a much tougher matchup, making him a risky choice for fantasy managers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
