The Magic just can’t catch a break! After starting the season red hot, their momentum took a massive hit when superstars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner suffered gruesome injuries. Surprisingly, the Orlando-based franchise is still going strong amid adversity and currently ranks fourth in the East standings. However, their playoff dreams might be in jeopardy once again as they suffered another setback tonight when Jalen Suggs was forced to leave the Raptors clash due to a scary injury.

Well, the incident occurred in the closing minutes of the second quarter. Giving maximum effort on defense, Suggs dove between two Raptors stars, Immanuel Quickley, and Ochai Agbaji, hoping to intercept a pass. Unfortunately, the Hail Mary! dive led to Suggs injuring his back, and he immediately fell to the floor and began grimacing in pain while the play continued.

Seeing their point guard struggle, the Magic called a timeout and Jalen’s teammates and staff rushed to check on him. When they tried lifting him up, Suggs began crying in pain and was unable to move. In a scary sight, he was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair.

Adding to the concerns, it was later revealed that he would not return for the remainder of the game. The reason? Back spasms. Just like that, Jalen’s night ended early with him scoring only six points in thirteen minutes. Surely, Magic would be hoping that the injury is not serious. And naturally, Suggs’ absence would be a massive blow to the team because he is having a solid year, averaging 16.8 points and over four rebounds.

Already dealing with multiple injuries, the Magic cannot afford to lose more key players. Fortunately, amid the constant setbacks, good news could be just around the corner!

Paolo Banchero’s return could save the Magic amid Jalen Suggs’ injury

Well, the team is yet to give further updates on Suggs’ injury. And their chances of making the playoffs are looking shaky because of the absence of multiple stars. But the Magic could be back on track soon because Paolo Banchero is nearing his return. Yes, he has not played since tearing his right oblique in late October. However, his status has now been changed to “return to competition reconditioning” which is a great sign.

Moreover, he has begun light contact work in practice and is ramping up to participate in team scrimmages. Addressing his progress, Paolo recently said, “I’m starting to go full speed, closing out, dribbling, doing stuff under fatigue so I can get body conditioned… it feels good to be back. I’m looking forward to these next week or two weeks of doing the same thing, ramping up and seeing where I’m at.” Although there is still no timeline for his return, Paolo could be back on the hardwood soon.

Obviously, that would be a huge boost for the team because Paolo was in elite form before the injury, averaging 29 points and nearly nine rebounds. And he could keep the Magic’s playoff dreams alive. Meanwhile, other stars, including Franz Wagner, Anthony Black, and Gary Harris, continue to work towards their return.

In the meantime, if Jalen Suggs is forced to miss time, Cole Anthony and Cory Joseph are expected to step up and handle additional minutes in the backcourt. It’s still uncertain whether Suggs will recover in time to face the Jazz on Sunday. Hopefully, Magic can stay afloat until their injured stars return and then, continue their playoff pursuit in full swing.