Orlando Magic Face Celtics with New Injury Woes
The Orlando Magic are set for a challenging road matchup against the Boston Celtics this Sunday, but not without significant adjustments. Head coach Jamahl Mosley is forced to unveil another new lineup, as injuries continue to plague key players, adding a fresh layer of adversity to their recent surge.
Magic’s Injury Report: A Growing Concern
The injury bug has unfortunately bitten the Orlando Magic once again, forcing pivotal changes ahead of their clash with the Boston Celtics. Star forward Paolo Banchero remains sidelined with a left groin strain, and Jalen Suggs is out for left knee injury management on this back-to-back. The latest blow comes with the absence of Wendell Carter Jr., who is now ruled out with a left ankle sprain, further depleting the team’s starting core. Despite these setbacks, Franz Wagner is listed as available and ready to play, sporting a face mask for a nose injury. Moritz Wagner (left knee recovery) and Colin Castleton (G League) are also unavailable.
Impact on the Court
These multiple high-profile absences mean Coach Mosley must dig deep into his roster to maintain the Magic’s recent momentum. The new starting five will need to step up significantly to fill the void left by key offensive and defensive contributors. This game will truly test the team’s depth and collective resilience as they navigate a tough Eastern Conference opponent on the road.
Tale of the Tape: Magic’s Resilience Meets Celtics Challenge
The Orlando Magic enter Sunday’s contest with an impressive 10-7 record, having won six of their last seven games, including two victories over the New York Knicks. They’ll face a Boston Celtics squad (8-8) looking to rebound from a surprising loss to the Brooklyn Nets. This marks the third meeting between these two teams in November, with the series currently split 1-1 from their previous matchups at Kia Center.
Head-to-Head History
Historically, the Magic hold a regular-season record of 58-77 against the Celtics. Their recent history saw Boston dominate with 10 consecutive wins from January 2020 to October 2022. In their last contest, Paolo Banchero posted 28 points before his groin injury, though Orlando also tallied 17 turnovers. With Banchero out, other players will need to handle ball security and scoring duties.
Key Injury Report Summary
| Team | Player Out | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | Paolo Banchero | Left Groin Strain |
| Orlando Magic | Jalen Suggs | Left Knee Injury Management |
| Orlando Magic | Wendell Carter Jr. | Left Ankle Sprain |
| Orlando Magic | Moritz Wagner | Left Knee Injury Recovery |
| Boston Celtics | Jayson Tatum | Right Achilles Injury Repair |
Game Day Essentials: How to Watch & Bet
Don’t miss the Magic’s battle against the Celtics! Tip-off is scheduled for **Sunday, November 23rd, at 6:10 p.m. EST** from TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. For local Orlando fans, you can catch the game live on **FanDuel Sports Network Florida** or tune into **96.9 The Game** on radio. Spanish-language coverage is available via **ElOrlandoMagic.com**.
Betting Insights for the Game
For those interested in the betting lines, DraftKings has the Celtics as 4.5-point favorites. The Moneyline is Celtics -192, with the Magic at +160. The total points for the game are set at 223.5. Always remember to bet responsibly: if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Projected Starting Lineups
Here’s a look at the anticipated starters for both teams given the current injury reports:
**Orlando Magic:**
F – Tristan da Silva
F – Franz Wagner
C – Goga Bitadze
G – Anthony Black
G – Desmond Bane
**Boston Celtics:**
F – Jaylen Brown
F – Jordan Walsh
C – Neemias Queta
G – Derrick White
G – Payton Pritchard
Coach’s Corner
Following their recent loss to the Nets, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged his opponents’ strong play. “I don’t know if the story of the game was just our missed layups. I thought the Nets played really, really well. They played better than us throughout most of the game. I think that’s the bigger story,” Mazzulla stated, indicating a focus on overall team performance rather than just isolated missed opportunities for Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where is the Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics game?
The game is on Sunday, November 23rd, at 6:10 p.m. EST at TD Garden in Boston. - Which key Orlando Magic players are injured for this game?
Paolo Banchero (Left Groin Strain), Jalen Suggs (Left knee injury management), Wendell Carter Jr. (Left ankle sprain), and Moritz Wagner (Left Knee Injury Recovery) are all out. - How can Orlando Magic fans watch or listen to the game locally?
You can watch the game on FanDuel Sports Network Florida or listen on 96.9 The Game. Spanish listeners can tune in via ElOrlandoMagic.com. - What is the Magic’s recent performance record?
The Magic have been on a roll, winning six of their last seven games, improving their overall record to 10-7. - What are the betting odds for the game?
The Celtics are favored at -4.5 spread, with a moneyline of -192. The Magic are +4.5 and +160 respectively. The total is set at 223.5.
Despite facing a wave of injuries to key starters, the Orlando Magic have consistently demonstrated grit and adaptability this season. Orlando fans should tune in to see how the remaining roster, led by Franz Wagner, steps up to the challenge against a formidable Celtics team and continues their impressive run.
Magic Face Celtics with New Injury Woes
