The Orlando Magic’s rising star Jalen Suggs suffered a concerning injury during Friday night’s road game against the Toronto Raptors. The second-year guard, who was averaging 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists coming into the contest, went down with back spasms in the first half and had to be removed from the court in a wheelchair.
Suggs, the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, was playing defense when he stumbled and collapsed to the floor clutching his lower back. The 22-year-old remained down for several minutes as the Magic’s medical staff tended to him. Eventually, Suggs was helped to his feet and carefully lowered into a wheelchair before being taken to the locker room for further evaluation.
The Magic later announced that Suggs would not return to the game due to the back injury. The extent and severity of the issue is unknown at this time. Prior to exiting, Suggs had scored 6 points in 13 minutes of action.
Shorthanded Magic Persevere for Win
Orlando entered the game already missing several key players, including 2022 top pick Paolo Banchero and third-year forward Franz Wagner, who are both sidelined with torn oblique muscles. In total, the Magic had six players unavailable against the Raptors.
Despite the depleted roster and loss of Suggs, the Magic showed their mettle, rallying for an impressive 106-97 victory over Toronto. The win moved Orlando to 24-20 on the season as they cling to a play-in spot in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Promising Start Derailed by Injuries
Suggs, a standout at Gonzaga before turning pro, had a solid rookie campaign and was enjoying a breakout sophomore season for the Magic. His scoring, rebounding, assist and efficiency numbers were all up significantly from a year ago. Suggs’ development, along with that of Banchero and Wagner, had Magic fans dreaming of a return to playoff contention.
However, injuries have posed a major obstacle for this young Orlando squad. Suggs becomes the latest concern, with his back issue adding to the health woes of Banchero, Wagner and others. The Magic must hope this is a minor setback for one of their brightest prospects and that Suggs can return to action soon to aid their postseason push.
Next Steps for Suggs, Magic
The Magic will surely exercise caution with Suggs and provide an update on his condition in the coming days. Back injuries can be tricky and the team’s medical staff will thoroughly evaluate the guard to determine the best course of treatment and recovery.
While sidelined, Suggs will need to rely on his teammates to step up, much like they did against the Raptors. Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and R.J. Hampton will be asked to shoulder a heavier load in the backcourt. Gary Harris and Terrence Ross provide a veteran presence to stabilize the rotation.
It’s next man up. We have to keep playing Magic basketball and believe in each other.
– Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley after the win
With half the season remaining and the Magic in the thick of the playoff race, they will need their depth and resilience to overcome this latest injury and keep their momentum going. For Suggs, the focus turns to rest, recovery and a return to the court to help his squad reach their immense potential.
The basketball world will be monitoring Suggs’ progress and hoping this rising talent can bounce back quickly from this scary scene in Toronto. The Magic’s promising season hangs in the balance as they navigate this latest test of their roster and resolve.
