The Orlando Magic picked up a decisive 119-92 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday afternoon, but the game also included a minor injury to guard Anthony Black. Following the win, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley provided an update on Black's status during his postgame media availability.
Black was subbed out early after playing only two minutes in the contest. The third-year guard recorded one rebound and one steal during that brief span, while missing both of his free-throw attempts. Orlando later ruled him out for the remainder of the game with what the team described as a "lower back strain."
Mosley indicated that the play in which Black initially suffered the injury occurred during a drive to the basket.
"I think when he went to the basket, I think he caught his shoulder on that play where they called the foul. I think it might bother him in a little different way. He'll be tested and we'll see how he progresses."
Black recently suffered an injury shortly after returning from another concussion. The 22-year-old missed two games earlier in the week with a quad injury before rejoining the lineup.
Anthony Black's injury update comes out as the Magic continue to push into the playoffs
Despite those setbacks, Black is enjoying the most productive season of his young career. In his third NBA season, he is averaging a career-high 15.5 points with 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He is shooting 45.1% from the field and 33.9% from 3-point range in 59 appearances, including 39 starts, while averaging 31.2 minutes per contest.
Black's development has been a key component for Orlando as the team continues its push toward the postseason in the Eastern Conference. The Magic's win over Minnesota marked their third consecutive win and helped improve their record to 34–28.
With the result, Orlando moved up to the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference standings. The Magic are currently tied with the Philadelphia 76ers (34-28) for sixth place and just one game behind the fifth-seeded Toronto Raptors (35-27).
Orlando will look to continue its momentum when the road trip concludes Sunday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Milwaukee is entering the matchup with a 26-35 record and is currently on a four-game losing streak.
The game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM ET. Orlando will likely keep a close eye on Black's condition before the match as the team awaits further evaluation of the injury.
