The Orlando Magic are heading into the new year hoping to get their two best players back soon. In the meantime, they will try to maintain their slim lead in the Southeast Division.
Despite major injuries to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic have reached 20 wins this season. They aim to start 2025 strong with a game against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
Banchero, who has been gradually increasing his activity, has only played five games so far. Wagner has been out since Dec. 6.
Moritz Wagner, Franz’s brother and a key bench player, is out for the season due to a torn ACL. Jalen Suggs also left the Magic’s 102-101 win over Brooklyn on Sunday with a right wrist sprain.
These injuries have affected all four of Orlando’s double-digit scorers, but the Magic have still managed to hold onto the best record in their division, ahead of Atlanta and Miami.
“It speaks so much to the resiliency of our guys, the grit of our guys (and) the preparation of the coaching staff,” said coach Jamahl Mosley.
Rookie forward Tristan da Silva has helped fill the gap, averaging 14.3 points over the last seven games, including a team-high 21 points against the Nets.
Suggs is listed as probable for Wednesday, but if he’s out, Cole Anthony and Cory Joseph will likely take over his minutes.
“We have enough — no matter who’s on the floor,” Mosley said. “We know how we’re going to defend. We know how we’re going to communicate. We know how we’re going to keep fighting.”
The Pistons come into this game after a strong 3-1 road trip, with wins over Phoenix, the Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento, though they lost to Denver.
That 134-121 defeat didn’t dampen the team’s optimism. The Pistons have already matched their win total from last season.
“The road trip was really good for this group,” said first-year head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Unlike the Magic, the Pistons have avoided major injuries, allowing Bickerstaff to build a consistent rotation.
Cade Cunningham, who leads the team with 24.0 points, 9.7 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game, is the key player for Detroit. Though he scored just 17 points against the Nuggets, he averaged 27 points and 11 assists during the Pistons’ three road wins.
“It’s a lot of different things,” said center Jalen Duren. “Obviously a new coaching staff, new leaders in the organization, got some good vets in. Good talent. We’re growing up as a team. Guys who have been here are getting older and more experienced in the league. You put that all together, it’s a recipe for success. Just got to keep going.”
Reserve guard Malik Beasley has been a major contributor, averaging 21.5 points over the last six games and 16.7 points per game for the season. He is a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.
This is the second of three matchups between the Magic and Pistons. In the first meeting on Nov. 23, the Wagner brothers combined for 48 points in a 111-100 Orlando victory.
