MARCH 9, 2023•SACBEE.COM
Magic need to cut down on fouling to have better defensive performancesThe Orlando Magic’s defense has gone through a slump over the last week, and there are multiple reasons to explain why.
Wesley Matthews - Out again ThursdayMatthews (calf) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Nets, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports.
ImpactMatthews has yet to play following the All-Star break due to a right calf strain. It's unclear when he'll suit up again, but his next chance to do so will arrive Saturday against Golden State.
MARCH 8, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Goran Dragic - Remains sidelined ThursdayDragic (knee) is out for Thursday's game versus the Nets.
ImpactDragic will miss his eighth straight game Thursday due to a knee injury as he waits to make his Milwaukee debut. His next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with the Warriors.
MARCH 8, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Jae Crowder - Lands on injury reportCrowder is probable for Thursday's game against the Nets due to right ankle soreness.
ImpactWith Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) and Jrue Holiday (neck) sidelined, Crowder popped for 15 points (5-9 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT) during Tuesday's win over the Magic, but he appears to have tweaked his ankle as well. However, the issue doesn't seem serious and shouldn't prevent the veteran forward from suiting up. Either way, Antetokounmpo and Holiday are expected to return Thursday, so Crowder figures to have a reduced role versus Brooklyn.
MARCH 8, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Jrue Holiday - Slated to return ThursdayHoliday (neck) is listed as probable for Thursday's game versus the Nets.
ImpactHoliday took the night off Tuesday with a neck soreness label, joining Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee/illness) on the sidelines. The pair of stars are both expected back in action Thursday, presumably sending Jevon Carter and Bobby Portis to their usual reserve roles.
MARCH 8, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Giannis Antetokounmpo - Expected to return ThursdayAntetokounmpo (knee/illness) is probable for Thursday's matchup against the Nets.
ImpactAntetokounmpo missed Tuesday's win over the Magic while dealing with right knee soreness and a non-COVID illness, but it appears the MVP candidate will be back in action Thursday. Over his last four appearances, Antetokounmpo has averaged 30.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.3 blocks in 31.8 minutes per game.
MARCH 8, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Wendell Carter Jr. - Sidelined again ThursdayCarter (hip) remains out for Thursday's contest versus the Jazz.
ImpactCarter will skip a third consecutive tilt with soreness in his left hip, and the Magic don't have much reason to rush him back to action. Moritz Wagner should receive another start at center in his absence, with Goga Bitadze also potentially factoring in. Carter's next opportunity to return surfaces Saturday versus the Heat.
MARCH 8, 2023•ROTOWIRE
