Goga

Bitadze

Isaac has been out for over a month, giving the Magic more than enough time to adjust to his absence. Goga Bitadze will continue to serve as the backup center, and this may be a better matchup for him than Isaac because of the Pistons’ physicality.

Carter suffered a fractured nose during Monday’s win over the Pistons, with the injury limiting him to 18 minutes. If he can’t play on Wednesday, Goga Bitadze is the likely replacement in the starting five.

Carter has been listed as doubtful to return with about six minutes left in this game. Goga Bitadze is in the game to close things out, though Moritz Wagner may also see an uptick in minutes if Carter ends up missing more time beyond this.

Bitadze was issued a Flagrant 2 foul for taking down Hawks center Jock Landale from behind as he was attempting to convert a layup. Landale landed awkwardly on his right leg and went back to the locker room after attempting his free throws. Bitadze finished with four points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks.

The two players got into a verbal exchange during the third quarter, resulting in both being hit with technical fouls. That was a more significant development for Dončić, as he is one technical away from a mandatory one-game suspension. The technicals being rescinded moves Dončić back to 15 technical fouls on the season and Bitadze to four.

Cater is back after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Hornets. His return means that Goga Bitadze, who logged 19 minutes on Thursday, will head to the bench. Moritz Wagner should remain in the backup center role.

Carter did not play in Thursday’s loss to the Hornets, sitting out due to a rib contusion. Goga Bitadze started but only played 19 minutes, with reserve Moritz Wagner also playing 19 minutes. That isn’t enough for either to offer reliable streaming value, especially with the Magic willing to go small for extended periods if needed.

With Wendell Carter Jr. (ribs) sidelined for this game, Bitadze got the starting nod at center. Unfortunately, he was even less productive than he was in his previous start, when he produced nine points, six rebounds, two assists and one block in 22 minutes. Bitadze had some excellent stretches as a streamer last season, but he hasn’t played much this year, and when there have been opportunities for him to play extra minutes, he hasn’t been given the chance. Even if Carter remains out, Bitadze isn’t worth streaming.

With Wendell Carter Jr. (ribs) sidelined against Charlotte, Bitadze will make a return to the starting unit. In his most recent start, Bitadze contributed nine points, six rebounds, two assists and one block in 22 minutes. He’ll be more productive than he typically is, but Bitadze likely won’t be worth streaming.

WCJ is a late addition to the injury report, and his absence means Goga Bitadze could earn a spot start with Moritz Wagner backing him up. Bitadze has averaged 11.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks across two starts this season.