Orlando Magic DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (oblique) has missed the last 20 games. However, the 22-year-old is moving in a positive direction, recently beginning "light movement workouts" while "getting shots up." He was having a stellar year before tearing his oblique back in October, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 34.4% shooting from behind the arc, all the highest of his career. Banchero wants to return before the end of 2024. But it appears he has some hurdles to clear, so fantasy managers shouldn't be as optimistic. In the meantime, Franz Wagner should continue to benefit from a production standpoint while Banchero is sidelined. Goga Bitadze may also remain in the starting lineup, with Wendell Carter Jr. sliding over to the four spot.

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Isaac was a late addition to the injury report due to hamstring soreness. The Magic have decided to take the cautious approach with the oft-injured forward and give him the night off. Isaac wasn't playing a ton of minutes recently, so his absence won't mean too much. Moritz Wagner and Goga Bitadze should split up the extra minutes. Both players have been solid fantasy contributors lately with the Magic shorthanded.

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (ankle) will return to action in Wednesday's matchup against Philadelphia. He's back after missing Tuesday's game against the Knicks with an ankle sprain. The Georgian big man opened the month with a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double against Brooklyn and has performed well since November. Last month, he averaged 9.4 points and 7.8 rebounds with 1.9 blocks. Philadelphia is tied for the second-lowest rebounding rate in the league, putting Bitadze in a solid position to produce another double-double on Wednesday.

Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (hamstring) will remain sidelined for Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Harris has not played since November 25 and does not yet have a clear timetable for his return. The 30-year-old plays a minor rotational role for the Magic, averaging 16.5 minutes and 4.1 points per game this season. In his last appearance, he logged seven minutes and scored three points against Charlotte.

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (ankle) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against Philadelphia. He was a late scratch for Tuesday's NBA Cup action versus the Knicks and might have to sit out another one with an ankle sprain. Tristan Da Silva jumped into the starting unit on Tuesday. The 23-year-old rookie has seen quite regular action as a starter but hasn't been very effective, at least from a fantasy perspective. In 14 starts, da Silva has averaged 7.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Meanwhile, Moritz Wagner had additional work without Bitadze, impressing with a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double off the bench. He might be a good fantasy option again on Wednesday if Bitadze doesn't return.