The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Orlando Magic for the first time in the 2024 season, at the Paycom Center in downtown OKC. Well, the matchup is quite important for the Magic as they are currently in the league with just a 3-4 record. On the other hand, the OKC Thunder are one of the strongest teams this season as they are leading with a record of 6-0 so far. On the other hand, injuries continue to affect Magic’s strategy, with Paolo Banchero sidelined. But why? Let’s look into both team’s injury reports.

Who all are injured? What do the injury reports say?

The Orlando Magic suffered a major setback when Paolo Banchero sustained a torn right oblique injury during their game against the Chicago Bulls, which led to a tough loss. Diagnosed on Thursday, Banchero was subsequently sidelined for games against the Cavaliers and Mavericks. Unfortunately, for fans hoping for his return, the latest injury report has him listed as out against the Thunder, with a re-evaluation scheduled in 4-to-6 weeks. Without Banchero, the Magic dropped both recent games, emphasizing the importance of today’s lineup decisions.

Adding to the team’s challenges, Goga Bitadze has also been ruled out due to a lingering foot injury he sustained against the Grizzlies, which has already caused him to miss four games. On a brighter note, there’s a glimmer of hope with Wendell Carter Jr., the Magic’s star center. Carter Jr., who suffered a left plantar fascia strain in a blowout loss to the Mavericks on Sunday, is listed as “questionable,” suggesting he may be nearing a return.

As for the OKC, their first injury is an unfortunate one. Their rookie, Nikola Topic tore his ACL while playing overseas last season. Well, if this was not enough, then read ahead. He is reported to miss the entire 2024-25 season. However, there are three more. Their center Isaiah Hartenstein is out due to a non-displaced fracture in his left hand. The injury occurred during a preseason game against the Nuggets and was reported to be re-evaluated in 5-6 weeks.

Thunder center Jaylin Williams will also not play as he is out due to a right hamstring strain. During a workout session on 3rd October, the hooper is yet to play this season and will re-evaluated in four to six weeks. Well, here is OKC’s last injury. Kenrich Williams is another player who has yet to play this season. And it looks like he will not play against the Magic due to his Knee injury and is reported as out.

The veteran forward underwent a successful arthroscopic debridement procedure in his right knee in New York. However, this isn’t the first time he has been sidelined due to injuries. Last season and in 2022 the hooper due to his back injury was sidelined in several matches and due to a couple of knee injuries. With both teams navigating these injuries, we will take a look at their depth chart and decide their potential lineup.

Depth Chart and Potential Lineup: Magic vs. Thunder

Both teams’ season depth charts reveal critical player dynamics being affected as we head into the next game. With both teams facing injuries, they will boast a strong bench featuring emerging talents.

Magic’s Depth Chart:

Orlando Magic vs. OKC Thunder potential lineups could be: