Orlando Magic injury report: Latest update on Franz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac's status (Dec. 8)
The games are coming thick and fast in the NBA, and this Sunday is no different as the Orlando Magic host the Kevin Durant-less Phoenix Suns at the Kia Center. The Magic finds itself in a precarious position with several key players sidelined due to injuries.
The Orlando Magic were already in choppy waters without star forward Paolo Banchero, who has missed most of the year with a torn oblique. On Saturday, another star forward Franz Wagner, suffered a similar fate, injuring his oblique.
ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed the news ahead of the crucial NBA Cup quarterfinal with Milwaukee Bucks, revealing that Wagner will be out indefinitely with a torn right oblique. He will be re-evaluated in four weeks.
Wagner’s absence would be a significant blow, given his importance on the team. He was the one who sparked a fresh wave of optimism in Banchero’s absence.
Coach Jamahl Mosley’s approach to overcoming the injury setbacks and making strategic decisions could be crucial in the coming weeks.
Orlando Magic injury report: Latest on Gary Harris and Jonathan Isaac
The likes of Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jalen Suggs are all available for selection. However, caution remains over forward Jonathan Isaac, who is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Isaac didn't play in the Magic's loss to the Sixers on Friday and his availability on Sunday could be decided closer to tip-off. Meanwhile, Garry Harris will remain out as he’s nursing a hamstring injury.
Similarly, the Phoenix Suns are also going through an injury crisis of their own in the absence of Kevin Durant, who still remains sidelined with a knee injury. Jusuf Nurkic is also out with a thigh contusion. Meanwhile, Jalen Bridges and Ryan Dunn are listed as questionable.
What to expect Phoenix Suns vs Orlando Magic?
Both teams come into the game on the back of a defeat as well. Their depths and ability to navigate a jam-packed schedule will likely determine their fate this season.
Games between the Suns and the Magic have all been thrilling encounters. The Magic won three of the last five encounters, including the one last month, which they won 109-99.
The Magic’s performance in the coming weeks will largely depend on how they manage these key absences. The team has shown resilience and adaptability under Mosley’s leadership, but the absence of Wagner and Banchero could pose significant hurdles.