Injury-Riddled Thunder Could Open the Door for Magic Bounce-Back
The Orlando Magic are heading into Tuesday night’s matchup against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder with more than just a chip on their shoulder-they’re catching OKC at a time when the injury report reads more like a roster list.
The Thunder are banged up in a big way. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is listed as questionable with a finger injury, and he’s not alone.
Chet Holmgren (back), Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus), and Jaylin Williams (shoulder) are all questionable as well. Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, and a trio of others are already ruled out.
That’s a massive chunk of OKC’s core either sidelined or not at 100%.
For Orlando, the timing couldn’t be better. They’re coming off a frustrating 112-103 loss to the Spurs-a game that saw them dig themselves into an 18-point hole before rallying in the second quarter to take a brief halftime lead. But the energy didn’t carry over, and San Antonio pulled away late behind 25 points and five blocks from Victor Wembanyama.
Desmond Bane led the Magic with 25 points in that one, and Paolo Banchero added a double-double with 19 points and 10 boards. But it wasn’t enough, and Bane didn’t mince words afterward.
“I just don't think we came out with the right mentality,” Bane said. “We weren't ready to play.
We were a step slow, especially on the defensive end. They were getting whatever they wanted.”
It’s a candid assessment from one of the team’s vocal leaders, and it reflects a larger truth: the Magic are still figuring out how to turn potential into consistency. That process continues against a Thunder squad that may not look like itself come tip-off.
Thunder’s Depth Being Tested
Even with their stars healthy, the Thunder have been navigating a grueling stretch. But now, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams all on the injury report, the defending champs are facing a depth test that could change the tone of this matchup.
SGA and Holmgren were both recently named 2026 NBA All-Stars-SGA as a starter for the third straight year, and Holmgren earning his first nod. Their absence, or even limited availability, would be a massive blow to OKC’s rhythm on both ends of the floor.
Holmgren’s rim protection and floor spacing have been key to the Thunder’s success, while SGA continues to be one of the most dynamic offensive engines in the league. Without them, the Thunder will need big contributions from role players like Cason Wallace and Luguentz Dort, who could see expanded duties on both ends.
Orlando’s Opportunity
The Magic won’t be at full strength either-Franz Wagner remains out with an ankle injury-but they’ll have their core group intact. That includes Anthony Black and Jalen Suggs in the backcourt, Wendell Carter Jr. anchoring the paint, and the Bane-Banchero forward tandem that’s been central to their offensive identity.
Orlando’s defense will need to be sharper than it was against San Antonio, especially early. Falling behind against a depleted Thunder team wouldn’t just be disappointing-it’d be a missed opportunity to make a statement on the road.
There’s also the betting line to consider: the Magic come in as 6.5-point favorites. That says a lot about how the market views this injury-riddled Thunder squad-and how much faith there still is in Orlando’s ceiling when they put it all together.
Tip-Off Details
- Game Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
- TV: Fan Duel Sports
- Line: Magic -6.5
Projected Starters
Magic
- G: Anthony Black
- G: Jalen Suggs
- F: Desmond Bane
- F: Paolo Banchero
- C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Thunder
- G: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (if available)
- G: Luguentz Dort
- F: Cason Wallace
- F: Chet Holmgren (if available)
- C: Isaiah Hartenstein
With OKC’s injury list growing and Orlando looking to rebound from a tough loss, this one has the makings of a measuring-stick game-for both teams. The Magic need to prove they can capitalize when opportunity knocks.
The Thunder? They’re out to show that championship pedigree doesn’t disappear when the stars are sidelined.