Orlando Magic DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (concussion protocol) won't play on Thursday against Portland. The 25-year-old will now miss a fifth-straight contest. It's unknown how long he'll be on the shelf. But until Bitadze is back in the equation, Wendell Carter Jr., averaging 8.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 23 starts this season, will presumably continue to fill the hole in the lineup versus a Blazers squad that has had issues stopping opposing centers.

Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (illness) won't play on Thursday against Portland. Anthony hasn't felt well, recently keeping him off the floor for Tuesday's loss to the Toronto Raptors. Anthony Black got the start in that one, finishing with 17 points, seven boards, and two steals. Black will likely start once again, giving him added value for fantasy managers. However, he could have a tough time being as productive with Franz Wagner (oblique) returning versus the Trail Blazers.

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (oblique) is available to return on Thursday when his Magic host the Trail Blazers. He'll be limited to 24 minutes in his return, according to coach Jamahl Mosley. He will start alongside Paolo Banchero for the first time since October 30, but both will continue to play limited minutes while they work their way back to full strength. Before missing the last 20 games for the Magic, Wagner averaged 24.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.0 three-pointers, and 1.7 steals in 33.2 minutes per game. His return will be a huge boost for the Magic, as they start to get back to full strength.

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (illness) had to leave Tuesday's game with an illness and was slapped with a questionable tag for Thursday's game against the Trail Blazers. Coach Jamahl Mosley said that Isaac will be "able to go tonight" when talking to reporters after shootaround, although Isaac is still officially listed as questionable. Isaac is averaging 6.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 16.4 minutes per game coming off the Magic bench, and he appears ready to resume his regular role now that the illness is behind him, according to Mosley.

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (concussion) is doubtful for Thursday's meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers. The big man from Georgia will likely remain out for a fifth consecutive game after landing in concussion protocol. Wendell Carter Jr. has been his replacement in the starting unit. The 25-year-old has averaged a double-double over the last four games, posting 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds, along with 3.0 assists. Portland allows the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing centers, meaning Carter Jr. is in a good position to continue his strong run Thursday night.