Suggs returns to starting lineup as host Magic top Cleveland
The Magic received positive player availability news ahead of Monday night’s 104-94 victory against Cleveland at Amway Center.
Not only was guard Jalen Suggs (right ankle strain) deemed available to play, he also returned to the starting lineup and finished with 12 points.
He started alongside rookie Anthony Black, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Goga Bitadze while Markelle Fultz (left knee tendinitis) and Wendell Carter Jr. (fractured third metacarpal in left non-shooting hand) remained out on Monday.
Banchero had 20 points and 10 rebounds while Wagner scored 19.
The Magic’s top defender, Suggs missed only one game due to the right ankle injury that he suffered in the first half of last Wednesday’s game in Cleveland.
In addition to Suggs, reserve big man Jonathan Isaac (sprained right ankle) was made available to play as well following a shootaround earlier in the day.
Isaac had missed three games in a row prior to Monday due to the ankle injury. Orlando was 3-4 without him available.
Magic to give back to community this holiday season
Starting this week, Magic players, staff and partners will spread holiday cheer with several activities including donations, gift distributions and holiday parties throughout the month.
On Wednesday, Magic community ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw, Magic vice president of shareholder engagement Ryan DeVos and wife Michelle along with STUFF the Magic Mascot plus the 321 Hype team will deliver gifts and holiday cheer to young patients at AdventHealth for Children.
Later in the day, Magic players Black, Franz Wagner, Moe Wagner and Kevon Harris will team up with Pepsi for a holiday shopping spree for 100 Boys & Girls Clubs members from three local branches of the Boys & Girls Clubs.
The youths each will receive a $100 Walmart gift card courtesy of Pepsi. The Wagners, Black and Harris along with Anderson and Outlaw and volunteer members will take the Boys & Girls Club members shopping.
That same evening, the Magic, Fultz and coach Jamahl Mosley will distribute holiday gifts for 68 Head Start program children (ages 3-5 years old) and host a holiday party for the youths. Kroger will be providing groceries for families and Chick-fil-A will be providing dinner.
Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on X, also known as Twitter, at @therealBeede.
