Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (oblique) was only able to play a handful of games before going down at the end of October. Banchero suffered a torn right oblique muscle which came with roughly a two-month timetable to return. However, Banchero recently said that he's feeling good and that he thinks he can get back on the court before Christmas. The Magic could certainly use the help of the All-Star forward, but they aren't going to rush him back. He'll likely be re-evaluated in the coming weeks, so fantasy managers will know more information after that. For now, Jonathan Isaac and Moritz Wagner will continue seeing increased roles in the rotation. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Banchero as it sounds like he could be back in possibly a month.

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) is doubtful for Monday's contest against the Phoenix Suns. The doubtful tag may suggest he's moving in the right direction. However, it appears the 25-year-old will miss his eighth-straight game on Monday night. If that's the case, Goga Bitadze will presumably remain with the first five, with the 2019 No. 18 overall pick averaging 9.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in seven starts during the 2024-25 campaign.

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) remains out on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. This will be his seventh-straight absence because of plantar fasciitis, and there's no word on when he'll be back on the floor. With Carter on the shelf, Goga Bitadze will likely continue to fill the void in the rotation. Bitadze has played well in his six starts during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 10.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, which has been good enough to earn him a spot in fantasy lineups.

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) won't play on Tuesday versus the Charlotte Hornets. This will mark his fifth-straight absence, so his next chance to get on the floor will be on Wednesday against the Pacers. In the meantime, Goga Bitadze will likely remain with the first five, with the 25-year-old averaging 10.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in four starts this season. Moritz Wagner, who had 16 points, six rebounds, and one steal in Sunday's meeting with the Wizards, has streaming value in deep fantasy setups.

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze will start in Friday's game versus the Pelicans. With Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) out again, Bitadze will remain with the first five. The 25-year-old has played well in his two starts this season, averaging 10.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals. While Bitadze's free-throw shooting could use some work, he remains a practical streaming option for fantasy managers against a New Orleans team plagued by injuries.