Orlando Magic DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Despite practicing Wednesday, Orlando Magic guardJalen Suggs(back) will not play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday due to a back strain. His next opportunity to get back on the floor comes on Friday against Milwaukee which is the second half of a back-to-back set. While the 23-year-old is sidelined, Cole Anthonyshould continue to start. Jett HowardandTrevelin Queenwill get some scoring opportunities coming off the bench as well.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Orlando Magic forwardPaolo Banchero (oblique) is set to return against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. Banchero returned to practice Wednesday after not playing since October 30th due to a torn right oblique. Fantasy managers should prepare to have the 22-year-old back in their lineup, as he had an excellent start to the season before his injury. He's posted averages of 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists during 36.4 minutes in five contests.

Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (hamstring) will miss a third consecutive game on Monday after being ruled out for the contest against the New York Knicks. He's still suffering from a strained hamstring and there hasn't been a firm timetable for his return just yet. Since Jalen Suggs (back) will also be sidelined, Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have made up the starting backcourt while Tristan Da Silva and Caleb Houstan are on the wings. Anthony has been the safest bet as a streaming option with Jett Howard as an intriguing option in deeper leagues after putting up 21 points, four assists, and two rebounds in their last game.

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (back) has been ruled out for a second consecutive game as he tends to his lower back strain that he suffered on Friday against the Raptors. Suggs had to leave the game in a wheelchair, so he was bound to miss a little bit of time. Since he'll be on the sidelines on Monday against the New York Knicks, Cole Anthony should continue to play in the starting five while Jett Howard and Trevelin Queen get some opportunities off of the bench. Anthony would be the best bet for a streaming option after posting 12 points, four rebounds, and three blocks in their previous game.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (conditioning) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Utah Jazz. The ruling should come as no surprise as Banchero has missed the team's last 31 games, but the 22-year-old has been making progress from his oblique injury and has been ramping up activities as of late, even being able to participate in the team's pregame shootaround in Toronto. Banchero could be returning to the lineup in the next few games. Orlando desperately is awaiting his return as their roster has been decimated by injuries this season, yet they still hold the four seed in the East. With the 22-year-old out, expect Tristan Da Silva and Cole Anthony to drive Orlando's offense until his return with Jalen Suggs dealing with a back sprain.