Magic vs. Jazz: Injury Updates, Game Preview, and What to Watch For
The Orlando Magic are back in action tonight at the Kia Center, hosting the Utah Jazz in a matchup that features two teams on very different paths this season. But before tip-off, let’s take a closer look at the key storylines, starting with the injury report.
Injury Report: Wagner Still Out, Jazz Missing Key Big Man
The Magic will once again be without forward Franz Wagner, who continues to deal with an ankle injury. There's still no timetable for his return, and his absence continues to leave a noticeable gap in Orlando’s wing rotation. Wagner’s two-way versatility and scoring punch have been missed, especially in transition and late-clock situations.
Also out for Orlando is Colin Castelton, who remains with the G League squad.
For Utah, rookie guard Keyonte George is listed as probable with an ankle issue, while center Walker Kessler is officially out due to a shoulder injury. Kessler’s absence is a significant one for the Jazz’s interior defense. Without his rim protection, the paint could be wide open for Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane to go to work.
Magic Riding High After Statement Win
Orlando is coming off a dominant 118-98 win over the Brooklyn Nets, and it was a night to remember for Jalen Suggs. The third-year guard notched the first triple-double of his career - 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists - and added a career-high four blocks and three steals. That’s the kind of all-around performance that shows just how much Suggs has grown, especially on the defensive end.
Desmond Bane led the Magic in scoring with 23 points, while Banchero chipped in 22 of his own. The team as a whole shot a blistering 53.7% from the field, racked up 64 points in the paint, and handed out 32 assists - a clear sign of how well this group is sharing the ball.
They also forced 19 turnovers, converting those into 24 points. From the opening tip, it was all Magic, as they led wire-to-wire and stretched the lead to as much as 26 in the second half.
Projected Starters
Orlando Magic
- G Anthony Black
- G Jalen Suggs
- C Wendell Carter Jr.
- F Desmond Bane
- F Paolo Banchero
Utah Jazz
- F Cody Williams
- F Lauri Markkanen
- C Kyle Filipowski
- G Ace Bailey
- G Isaiah Collier
With Wagner and Kessler sidelined, both teams are adjusting on the fly. Look for Orlando to continue leaning on their athleticism and ball movement, while Utah may try to push the pace with their young backcourt.
Suggs: “It’s Not Linear”
After his breakout performance, Suggs spoke candidly about his journey back from injury - and the mental grind that comes with it.
“It’s not linear. That’s the hardest part,” Suggs said.
“You can have good games, you can have bad games, but I’m still in the process of gaining momentum. My confidence isn’t where it used to be.
This injury is heavy, man. It takes a long time.”
That kind of honesty resonates - not just with fans, but with teammates in the locker room. Suggs has always brought energy and toughness, but now he's adding production to the mix. If he continues trending upward, the Magic’s backcourt could become a real problem for opponents down the stretch.
What to Watch Tonight
- **Can the Magic keep dominating the paint? ** With Kessler out, Orlando has a clear advantage inside.
Expect Banchero and Carter Jr. to be aggressive early.
- **Will Suggs build on his triple-double?
** His confidence is growing, and he’s finding a rhythm as both a playmaker and defensive disruptor.
- **How do the Jazz’s rookies respond?
** With George banged up and Kessler out, the pressure’s on Utah’s young core to step up in a tough road environment.
Game Info
- Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Kia Center, Orlando
- TV: FanDuel Sports
- Betting Line: Magic -9
The Magic are favored by nine points, and with good reason. They’re playing some of their best basketball of the season, and tonight’s matchup presents a chance to keep the momentum rolling.
Keep an eye on how Orlando sets the tone early. If they come out with the same energy and ball movement they showed against Brooklyn, they could be in for another convincing win.