The Orlando Magic will be missing several key players when they face the Utah Jazz on Sunday, creating a big chance for rookie Tristan da Silva.
Da Silva, 23, impressed in Orlando’s 106-97 win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday, scoring a career-high 25 points and going 5-for-7 from 3-point range. The Magic will be hoping for another strong performance from him against Utah, which recently ended a five-game losing streak with a 136-100 win over the Miami Heat.
Da Silva, who was picked 18th overall in the NBA draft last June, is averaging 9.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 32 games, with 25 starts.
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley praised Da Silva’s work ethic, saying, “He’s definitely not getting enough recognition as a rookie. But he’s doing it just because he’s playing the right way…He’s willing to take on all challenges and is going to continue to improve as this team goes.”
The Magic’s injury list grew longer when Jalen Suggs sustained a lower back strain during the game against the Raptors. Cole Anthony stepped up, starting the second half in place of Suggs and finishing with nine points and a career-high 11 assists.
Suggs will miss the game against Utah, and Gary Harris will sit out his second straight game with a left hamstring strain. Anthony Black, who has missed the last three games due to a low-back injury, is listed as questionable.
Despite having the lowest 3-point shooting percentage in the NBA (31.0%), Orlando made a season-high 19 3-pointers in the victory and will look to keep that success going against Utah.
The Jazz are coming off their biggest win of the season, leading Miami by as many as 43 points. Brice Sensabaugh, in his second year, led the Jazz with a career-high 34 points, shooting 12-of-18 from the field and 7-of-11 from beyond the arc.
Jazz coach Will Hardy praised Sensabaugh’s work ethic: “He’s continued to work on his game…There are moments where his talent really shines through. Brice is a really, really good young player.”
Sensabaugh, a Florida native, will return home for the game. He attended Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando and was named Florida Mr. Basketball in 2021-22.
Utah also got a boost from John Collins, who returned after missing five games with a hip injury. He scored 24 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and added three blocks. Additionally, Walker Kessler had 14 points and 16 rebounds in the win over Miami.
