The Orlando Magic are playing some really good ball lately. However, the Magic won’t likely have two starters for their game in Milwaukee on Sunday night.
Orlando (34-28) cruised past Minnesota 119-92 to pick up its third straight victory and 11th in its last 17 games, despite losing starting point guard Anthony Black early in the contest. According to NBA Insider Marc J. Spears, reported that Black suffered a lower back strain two minutes into the game and didn’t return.
“[The] Magic say guard Anthony Black suffered a low back strain during the first quarter today at Minnesota,” Spears tweeted.
Magic’s Breakout Star Expected To Join Two Others On Injury Report Against The Bucks. When Will Players Return?
Trailing 48-41 midway through the second quarter, Orlando cranked up its defensive intensity and held Minnesota to just one field goal the rest of the half. The Magic led 60-50 at halftime and outscored the Timberwolves 59-42 in the second half as they limited the Wolves to 14 points over the final 12 minutes.
Orlando, which ranks 12th in the NBA defensively, has been much better on that end recently. The 92 points the Magic held the Timberwolves to were a season-low for the Magic defense. The Magic held the Wolves to 36% from the field, including 9 three-pointers at 26%, and outrebounded them 58-47. It is the fourth time the Magic have held their opponents under the century mark since February 4.
Offensively, Orlando was highly efficient against the Timberwolves, connecting on 46% of their field goal attempts and making 26 of 31 free throws. Desmond Bane led the way with 30 points, on 10 of 17 shooting, including 10 of 10 from the free throw line, while Paolo Banchero recorded his 21st double-double with 25 points and 15 boards. The Magic average the fifth most points during their current three-game stretch at 120 points per game.
© Matt Blewett, Imagn Images
Anthony Black Is Having A Breakout Campaign
Yesterday’s game was Black’s second game back after missing a pair of contests due to a quad injury earlier this week. While the back sprain is likely not a major issue, it seems to be the result of recent bumps and bruises over the weekend. The Magic have yet to release their injury report against the Bucks.
If Black does miss some time, it could be just a game, depending on the severity. If the injury is just a mild lumbar strain, it typically takes between 1 and 4 days to heal. However, if it is a moderate lumbar sprain, Black could be out three to 10 days. Now, if there is a significant strain (Grade 2), he could be out for between 1 and 3 weeks or more.
Any time Black misses will be problematic for the Magic. The 22-year-old has continued his development, producing a career season with 15.5 points along with 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals. He has stepped up his production since moving into the starting lineup on December 9. The Magic are 20-18 with a minus-1.3 scoring margin during this stretch.
“He’s been getting bumped and hit quite a bit, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said earlier this month about Black. “[His absence] impacts [the team] very, very heavily. But again, for our group, we always talk about the next man up mentality. Whoever gets those minutes and that nod is going to be ready to play when they step on the floor.”
Who Will Replace Anthony Black If He Has To Sit Out and Other Magic Injuries
Black is shooting a solid 45.1% from the field, as he gets into the teeth of the defense a lot. While he has improved as a three-point shooter, making 1.6 treys per game, he connects on just 34% of his attempts. He has also produced two double-doubles. The Magic have split the two games that Black has sat out this year.
Tristan Da Silva replaced Black in the game against the Timberwolves and started both games that Black has sat out this year. So, expect Da Silva, who has increased his production this season, to remain in the starting lineup if Black and Franz Wagner remain out. Da Silva averages 10.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in the 20 games that the 6-8 forward has started.
Speaking of Wagner, he remains sidelined, with no timetable to return as he continues to recover from his high ankle sprain. Rookie Jase Richardson and Jonathan Isaac are also in jeopardy of missing tonight’s contest, as both are listed as day-to-day. Richardson sat out the win over the Timberwolves due to back spasms, while Isaac could miss his third straight contest with a knee ailment.