Orlando Magic DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (quad) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Denver Nuggets. This is great news after Anthony sat out Wednesday's double-overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings. There is no word of Anthony being limited, so the expectation is that he'll be fully ready to go. He could even see an expanded role with Gary Harris (calf) ruled out for Friday's game. Anthony Black should also remain in the mix, but Anthony is a much better streaming option.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (ankle), who suffered a sprained right ankle in the third quarter of Wednesday's 138-135 double-overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings, achieved a career-high 43 points with six three-pointers, five assists, four rebounds, and eight turnovers. It was the second night of Orlando's back-to-back after Tuesday's hard-fought matchup with the Golden State Warriors, and Banchero nearly played the role of hero. The 21-year-old reigning Rookie of the Year remains a far superior points-league fantasy asset for his 70.4% free-throw shooting on heavy volume and 3.3 turnovers per game, but he is still pouring in 22.4 points, 7.1 boards, 4.7 dimes, 1.5 triples, and 1.0 steals. Banchero may pop up on Friday's injury report when the Magic finish a four-game West Coast trip with a duel against the defending-champion Denver Nuggets.

Orlando Magic guard/forward Gary Harris had to cut his night short against the Kings on Wednesday due to a right calf strain. He logged 12 minutes as a starter, posting five points with one steal. Harris' addition pushed Anthony Black to the bench for the first time since early November, but he should be back in frame for a starter's role if it's a serious injury for Harris, although Trevelin Queen took the position in Harris' absence in the second half on Wednesday. Queen ended up logging 38 minutes in a double-overtime loss and notched five points with six assists and two steals. It wasn't a very productive outing, but the Magic could be forced to give him a new shot in the next game, as there simply aren't many healthy bodies remaining on the team.

Orlando Magic guard/forward Franz Wagner played only five minutes in Wednesday's double-overtime thriller against Sacramento, exiting early with a right ankle sprain. Wagner finished the contest with six points and two rebounds. He's been a key man all year of the Magic, with averages of 20.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. X-rays on Wagner's ankle came back clean, but he could still miss some time. Caleb Houstan and Chuma Okeke saw extra action without Wagner on Wednesday. Orlando returns to action on Friday in a matchup versus Denver.

Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (quad) has been downgraded to out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The young guard was a late addition to the injury report due to a right quad contusion. It's not shocking to see the Magic taking the cautious approach and holding him out of this game. Anthony Black and Gary Harris should both see an extended look with Anthony unable to play. Between the two, Harris has the higher upside due to his scoring ability.