Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs catches a breather during a December 2024 matchup vs. the Boston Celtics.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs catches a breather during a December 2024 matchup vs. the Boston Celtics.
The Orlando Magic are at home on Friday night as they host the Charlotte Hornets in an Eastern Conference matchup.
Orlando enters Friday’s game with a 17-13 record after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers on the road on Tuesday night.
Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) — Source: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
In Tuesday’s victory over the Trail Blazers, Desmond Bane led the way for the Magic as he recorded 23 points, four rebounds and five assists while Anthony Black added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists of his own.
Now Orlando will try to grab another victory at home on Friday as they face off against a struggling Hornets team.
On the other side, Charlotte enters Friday’s contest with a 10-20 record after defeating the Washington Wizards at home on Tuesday night.
Lamelo Ball
Lamelo Ball
LaMelo Ball led the way for the Hornets in Tuesday’s victory as he ended the game with 23 points and nine assists while Brandon Miller recorded 20 points, four rebounds and four assists.
While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Friday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.
Hornets Injury Report, Will Ryan Kalkbrenner, Mason Plumlee Play?
For the Hornets, they have three players listed on their injury report, including two of their big men in Ryan Kalkbrenner and Mason Plumlee.
Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) — Source: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Charlotte has ruled out Kalkbrenner due to a left elbow strain as he will miss his third consecutive contest.
The Hornets have also ruled out Plumlee due to a right groin strain and with both he and Kalkbrenner sidelined, Moussa Diabate will likely continue to have a larger role.
Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2). — Source: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Grant Williams has also been ruled out as he remains sidelined to begin the season while recovering from ACL surgery.
On the other side, the Magic have five players listed on their injury report, including both Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) — Source: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Orlando has listed Suggs as doubtful due to a left hip contusion and he is expected to miss his fifth consecutive game.
With Suggs likely to be sidelined once again, Black will likely continue to fill in for him in the starting lineup while Tyus Jones could also have an increased role.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22)
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22)
The Magic have ruled out Wagner as he continues to recover from a high left ankle sprain while Moritz Wagner also remains sidelined while recovering from ACL surgery.
Tristan da Silva has been listed as probable and is expected to play despite dealing with a right shoulder injury while Gogo Bitadze is questionable due to a left knee strain.
Fans can catch Friday night’s matchup between the Hornets and Magic from Orlando at 7:00 p.m. EST.
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12)