The Orlando Magic have a multitude of injuries to manage, as many key players are on the injury report. What are the current updates on their statuses and potential timetable to return to the court? Here is how they look as we enter the final week of December.
Magic’s Latest Injury Report Feat. Franz Wagner
There are six players on the Magic’s latest injury report as of Dec. 26, via ESPN. Those in question include Franz and Moritz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Tristan da Silva, Goga Bitadze, and Colin Castleton.
The Wagner brothers won’t be present for the team’s upcoming matchup. Franz suffered a leg injury that has kept him on the sidelines since Dec. 7.
This will be his third consecutive week of being unavailable in the rotation, having missed the squad’s last six games. He is essential to Orlando’s rotation as one of the top scoring options, averaging 22.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
On the other hand, Moritz is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season. He has yet to appear in a game this season, but would be on pace to make a return by the start of the new year. He has been productive off the bench as a scoring big man, putting up 12.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per contest.
Suggs sustained a hip injury during the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas on Dec. 13. The injury has since kept him on the sidelines, but he now carries a doubtful status for their upcoming matchup. It’s a step in the right direction for the two-way star, but he might need more time to heal if he isn’t ready to return.
Da Silva is making a step in the right direction for his return to the rotation. He was also absent since Dec. 13, having picked up a shoulder injury.
Despite this, he now has a probable status for the next game, giving Orlando needed size in the frontcourt. He has made strides as a sophomore in the NBA, producing 9.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game this season.
Bitadze carries a questionable status for the upcoming contest, having suffered a knee injury on Dec. 22. He has been solid as a shot-blocking center with 5.9 points, five rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Castleton is on assignment with the G-League affiliate Osceola Magic, making him unavailable for the main rotation.
What’s Next on Schedule for Magic?
The Magic will look to get all of its key players back so they can get the ball rolling on both ends of the court. Getting Franz and Suggs back in the fold would most certainly be crucial.
Orlando has a 17-13 record on the season, sitting at sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. They lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat while being under the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors.
The Magic will be at home for their next two matchups of the season. They host the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 26 at 7 p.m. ET before bringing in the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. ET.
