Orlando Magic vs Brooklyn Nets: Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s - December 18th, 2021 | NBA Season 2021-22
![Both the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets have ridiculously long injury lists. [Photo: NetsDaily]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/12/0b047-16398063150132-1920.jpg?w=500)
The matchup between the Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets is a battle between the walking wounded. Both teams are struggling with injuries with almost everyone on their respective rosters out for the game. Orlando will be looking to win their first game of the season series against Brooklyn in this encounter.
The Orlando Magic have added Wendell Carter Jr. to the injury list after injuring his knee against Max Strus of the Miami Heat. Head coach Jamahl Mosley could conceivably take a moral victory out of the quicker development of the rest of the youthful roster without their best players. Franz Wagner, in particular, is looking like the real deal.
The NBA has to admire the way the Brooklyn Nets have managed to string together wins despite the virus outbreak hitting the team. Credit, without a doubt, has to go to Kevin Durant, who has been playing out of his mind.
When you see this look, it's already too late.
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Kevin Durant was officially tagged as “out” for the game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Not only did he play, but he scored the crucial baskets that underlined his MVP status since he returned from a long brutal injury. He will likely be on the forefront yet again for the Brooklyn Nets despite the “out” designation.
Orlando Magic Injury Report
The Orlando Magic’s Cole Anthony is questionable for the game against the Brooklyn Nets because of an ankle sprain. Many of the names list on the list have been ruled out due to health and safety protocols and with a few players out due to various injuries.
Brooklyn Nets Injury Report
Kevin Durant has been ruled out for the second straight game. He had a day off between games, though, and played when the sore ankle was relatively fresh. But the Brooklyn Nets could finally sideline him against the just as decimated Orlando Magic.
Kyrie Irving, who will make an imminent return in the near future, is still out and so is Joe Harris (ankle). Patty Mills is also scheduled to take a break. The rest of the names on the injury list are under the NBA's health and safety protocols.
Orlando Magic vs Brooklyn Nets:
Predicted Lineups
Orlando Magic
![The Orlando Magic front office could be tempted to field their G-League affiliate after the virus and injuries have decimated their lineup. [Photo: Orlando Magic Daily]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/12/31487-16398069868902-1920.jpg)
B.J. Johnson could go from G-League to NBA starter after Wendell Carter Jr. injured his knee. He could play small forward for the Orlando Magic’s makeshift lineup. If Cole Anthony is not cleared to play, Gary Harris and rookie sensation Franz Wagner could renew their partnership in the backcourt.
The unrecognizable Orlando Magic frontline could have Chuma Okeke as the power forward and Robin Lopez as the center.
Brooklyn Nets
Steve Nash could go very young in the backcourt if the Brooklyn Nets indeed rest Patty Mills against the Orlando Magic. He could give Cam Thomas his first start at point guard to partner with David Duke Jr. in the backcourt.
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Kessler Edwards could take Kevin Durant’s small forward role alongside Blake Griffin, who will play power forward. Nic Claxton should resume his role as man in the middle for the Brooklyn Nets.
Orlando Magic vs Brooklyn Nets:
Starting 5s
Orlando Magic
Point Guard - Gary Harris | Shooting Guard - Franz Wagner | Small Forward - B.J. Johnson | Power Forward - Chuma Okeke | Center - Robin Lopez
Brooklyn Nets
Point Guard - Cam Thomas | Shooting Guard - David Duke Jr. | Small Forward - Kessler Edwards | Power Forward - Blake Griffin | Center - Nicholas Claxton