Rehabbing Fultz out again for Magic in lopsided loss at Boston
BOSTON — The Magic were without Markelle Fultz for the 16th game in a row Friday against the Celtics at TD Garden, and Orlando missed him in a 128-111 loss.
One of six Magic players to score in double digits, fellow guard Jalen Suggs led Orlando with 19 points.
Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 30 as six Celtics finished in double figures.
Listed as questionable Thursday and into Friday evening, Fultz (left knee tendinitis) was considered a game-time decision but ultimately was ruled out ahead of the matchup that featured two of the top teams in the East.
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said at shootaround Friday morning he wanted to see how the point guard’s body responded to some workouts before making a decision about his availability.
During his pre-game availability with the media, Mosley explained what went into the decision to rule out Fultz at Boston.
“Just being able to check to make sure he’s fully back to what we need him to do and getting full practices in with full contact,” the Magic coach said. “That’s going to be very important.”
Fultz and Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (fractured third metacarpal in left non-shooting hand) were able to join his Orlando teammates on the court inside the AdventHealth Training Center for only portions of practice.
The work on Thursday included a little bit more contact than Wednesday but there still wasn’t full contact, which is typically the precursor to an injured player’s return to game action.
With Fultz out, guard Anthony Black earned his 18th start of his rookie campaign. He joined Suggs, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Goga Bitadze in the starting lineup.
Bitadze has regularly filled in for Carter since he last played Nov. 4.
Jonathan Isaac, who played in just 11 games last season after 2-plus years off the court due to leg injuries, has a great appreciation for the progress both Fultz and Carter have made in their recovery process.
“Those guys are not just great basketball players but great men,” Isaac said Friday morning. “To see them continue to walk in resilience and get back — I know exactly what it takes and how tough it is.
“When I see other guys go through it, I have a respect for them.”
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, Boston had its own laundry list of injuries that kept the Celtics shorthanded against Orlando.
Veteran center Al Horford (rest) was given the night off while reserve big man Luke Kornet (left hip/thigh tightness) missed his second game in a row.
Kristaps Porzingis (left calf tightness) was downgraded from doubtful to out as well. Boston chose to start third-year pro Lamar Stevens at center.
Although the Celtics were missing those three, All-NBA wing Jaylen Brown (right knee hyperextension) was upgraded from questionable to available pre-game. Brown averaged 22.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists entering Friday.
The sides meet again at TD Garden on Sunday (Bally Sports Florida, 3) to close out the regular-season series between the Eastern Conference foes.
Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on X, also known as Twitter, at @therealBeede.
