The Magic, looking to continue to build a developing backcourt, were dealt an unfortunate blow early in Friday’s preseason matchup with the Mavericks in Dallas.
Orlando star Jalen Suggs, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, collapsed while setting a screen on Mavs forward Dorian Finney-Smith. Suggs had to be assisted off to the locker room and did not return. After undergoing further evaluation, the team confirmed Suggs sustained a left knee sprain and bone bruise.
The good news though is that the 21-year-old guard avoided serious injury and his timeline for return will depend on his response to treatment.
“He’s worked his tail off and he’s going to continue to work his tail off,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “That’s what we can depend on for him.”
Suggs averaged 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 27.2 minutes across 48 games as a rookie in 2021-22.
He joins a lengthy list of Magic players currently sidelined, including 2017 No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz (fractured left big toe), guard Gary Harris (left knee meniscectomy recovery), forward Admiral Schofield (bruised left knee) and forward Jonathan Isaac — who hasn’t played since 2020 because of ongoing left knee injury recovery.
Orlando has two preseason games left, both at home, against Memphis on Tuesday and Cleveland on Friday. The Magic open the regular season against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 19 (7 ET, NBA League Pass).
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
