The Orlando Magic have lost six straight games and will now host the Sacramento Kings on Thursday at the Kia Center. The losing streak came as the Magic played their best basketball this season en route to a seven-game winning streak.
They are still 10th in the East and within shooting distance of the playoff spots, and will now attempt to turn their fortunes around against a Kings team that has struggled to win in recent games as well. They have lost three of their last four matches and are struggling with several injuries themselves.
For the Magic, Jalen Suggs is on the official injury report due to illness. Suggs last played in a 105–104 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, when he contributed 14 points and six assists. Orlando is also facing three other confirmed absences, although their injury list is shorter than the Kings'.
Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Russell Westbrook, and De'Andre Hunter have all rounded out the supporting cast.
Jalen Suggs vs. Kings injury status
Suggs' potential absence means the Magic can once again rely on the indispensable production of Paolo Banchero to get them over the line. Suggs has not featured in the last two matches and has been a key presence for his team when fit.
He's averaging 13.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game and his production will be a big miss despite the Kings' weak lineup. Paolo Banchero, who is averaging 22.7 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game, recently became the fifth player in franchise history to record consecutive 35-point games.
Regardless, with Franz Wagner also sidelined, fans will be hoping Suggs can return to the lineup. Despite their mixed performance, the Kings have plenty of talent to test in Orlando.
DeMar DeRozan is averaging 18.2 points on 49.2% shooting, while Malik Monk is going 39.7% from three-point field, but struggled against the Charlotte Hornets last time out. Devin Carter and Maxime Renaud have also been in points in recent weeks, and their production could prove key to Sacramento once again competing.
The Magic completely defeated the Kings in their last meeting, winning 131-94, and will once again be looking for a comfortable win given the extent of Sacramento's absences.
magical injury report
Jalen Suggs – questionable (illness)
Anthony Black - out (left lateral abdominal strain)
Jonathan Isaac - Out (left knee sprain)
Franz Wagner - Out (left high ankle sprain; injury management)
Kings injury report
Precious Achiuwa - Questionable (Lower Back Pain)
Killian Hayes - doubtful (swelling of left toe).
Nick Clifford - Out (middle left hamstring sprain)
Drew Eubanks - Out (left thumb UCL repair)
De'Andre Hunter – out (retina repair of left eye)
Zach LaVine – out (right fifth finger tendon repair)
Keegan Murray - out (left ankle sprain)
Domantas Sabonis - Out (left knee meniscus repair)
Russell Westbrook - Out (inflammation in right big toe joint)
