Magic rely on key depth as injuries pile up
Missing three starters and a key rotational players Friday against the Pistons, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley was forced to rely more on players further down Orlando‘s bench than usual.
The Magic, who were without guard Markelle Fultz (left knee tendinitis), guard Jalen Suggs (right ankle strain), center Wendell Carter Jr. (fractured third metacarpal in left non-shooting hand) and forward Jonathan Isaac (sprained right ankle), didn’t skip a beat while defeating Detroit by 32 points at Amway Center.
Orlando reserves such as Caleb Houstan, Chuma Okeke, Anthony Black and Goga Bitadze, the latter of whom made his 17th start in place of Carter, all stepped up in major ways for the shorthanded Magic.
“We’ve said it from training camp and on, it’s a ‘we.’ No matter who it is, no matter who steps on that floor, they’re ready to go,” Mosley said post-game. “That’s what it says about our coaching staff, about these guys taking ownership of who we are.”
Although it’s unclear how much more time Fultz, Suggs, Carter and Isaac could miss, Orlando’s bench will likely need to continue to contribute when called upon, starting Monday (Bally Sports Florida, 7) against Cleveland.
Against the Pistons, Houstan played a season-high 25 minutes and shot 2 of 5 from 3-point range to go with 4 rebounds while excelling as a 3-and-D forward.
Franz Wagner described Houstan as a “true professional” and poked fun at his work ethic.
“He’s always the first one in the gym,” said Wagner, who led the Magic with 27 points. “We joke with him that he should spend some more time outside the facility.
“But you can tell when he’s out there, he knows what to do and he’s super engaged.”
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Bitadze set the tone on defense with four blocks, which helped because the Magic were missing top defender Suggs.
“I don’t think anybody can replace Jalen’s energy, honestly, but I tried to protect the paint,” Bitadze said.
Joining Bitadze in the starting lineup for the 16th time this season was Black. The rookie guard continues to gain more confidence on both ends with each appearance while filling in for Fultz.
“He’s a kid that wants to take on every challenge,” Mosley said about the 6-7 Black. “He does things that I haven’t seen certain guys do in a while with his length and size.
“That’s where his confidence comes from.”
The Magic (15-7) know if they want to continue to extend their early-season success, it’ll take contributions from everyone on the roster, including Bitadze, Black, Okeke and Houstan.
“That’s what makes us a good team,” Wagner said. “That if somebody’s out, the other guys can step up. Everybody stepped up and helped fill that void.”
Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on X, also known as Twitter, at @therealBeede.
