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As the Orlando Magic push toward securing a playoff spot, the team faces another setback with star guard Jalen Suggs sidelined indefinitely due to injury. The Magic confirmed on Sunday that Suggs will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to remove a cartilage fragment, further delaying his return to action.
Jalen Suggs’ injury and recovery timeline
The team had already announced on Friday that Suggs would be out indefinitely with the knee issue. While Orlando did not specify an exact timeline for his recovery, they emphasized that his return will depend on how the rehabilitation process progresses. However, the Magic are optimistic that the 23-year-old guard will make a full recovery and be back on the court in due time.
Suggs’ 2023-24 season has been plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 35 games. After battling a back injury earlier in the season, Suggs returned to action in late January but suffered a left thigh injury during his first game back on January 25. Despite this setback, Suggs continued his rehabilitation, only to report discomfort in his knee. Further medical imaging revealed an injury to his trochlea, the groove where the kneecap rests on the femur.
Jalen Suggs’ impact on the Magic's season
In his fourth year in the NBA, Suggs had been performing at a solid level before the injury. He was averaging 16.2 points, 4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game this season, contributing significantly to Orlando's offense. His absence will be a blow to the team as they continue their fight for a playoff spot.
A season of struggles for Orlando Magic
This has been a tough year for the Orlando Magic, who have faced numerous injuries to key players. In addition to Suggs, both Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero have missed time due to oblique injuries. Moritz Wagner, a key bench contributor, suffered a season-ending ACL tear in December. Due to these injuries, Orlando’s core trio of Banchero, Suggs, and Franz Wagner have played together in just six games this season, hindering the team’s ability to build consistent chemistry.
As of now, the Magic are 29-32, sitting in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite struggling with injuries, Orlando remains in contention for a postseason berth. However, the team has lost three of their last four games and will look to bounce back in their next matchup against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
