Jase

Richardson

Suggs is back after missing time to recover from a knee injury sustained in an October 25 win over the Knicks. His return could push Jase Richardson to the bench, but Suggs may have his minutes restricted in his first game back.

Cain started on Tuesday and should remain in the starting unit once again if he plays. He started in place of Jase Richardson, who was limited to 15 minutes off the bench. Cain and Tristan da Silva (calf) are both questionable, which could lead to Alex Morales, who played 29 minutes on Tuesday, moving into the starting unit. There is also a chance Richardson returns to the starting lineup if Cain is out.

Suggs injured his right knee during an October 25 win over the Knicks and was given a two-week re-evaluation timeline afterward. According to Monday’s report, the Magic guard “continues in his return-to-play protocols, including court work.” How soon Suggs returns to game action will depend on how his knee responds to increased on-court work. Jase Richardson should remain in the starting lineup until Suggs is available to play.

Even though he started, Jase didn’t end up playing starters minutes. After playing the first four minutes, he didn’t return to the game until the third quarter since the Magic needed more size to match against Toronto. In college he was known as a connective glue guy while being efficient, and that’s exactly what he’s done up to this point. In dynasty, the ceiling will depend on how much of a scorer and shooter he can be, because it’s getting harder to play at his size if he’s not a PG, which he really isn’t.

The expectation is that Black will be back with the team to play, but they’re still listing him as questionable. With Jalen Suggs (knee) set to miss a couple weeks, Black has a chance to start if he suits up tonight. If something changes, Jase Richardson, who is already starting, should take on more minutes. Tristan da Silva could enter the starting unit, with Franz Wagner taking on the point guard duties.

While the Magic started Jase Richardson (3 points, 1 three-pointer in 10 minutes) for the injured Paolo Banchero on Sunday, this was a prime spot for da Silva to provide greater fantasy value. That’s exactly what he did: he shot 5-of-9 from three and scored 19 of Orlando’s 47 bench points. The Magic also lost Jalen Suggs (knee) on Sunday, and a potential extended absence is another reason to add da Silva if he’s available.

Sunday’s game is Orlando’s first since losing Paolo Banchero to a low-grade right ankle sprain during Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves. The Magic will go small on Sunday, with Richardson’s inclusion in the lineup meaning that Bane and Wagner will shift down a position.

A final decision has not been made, but Richardson could be the addition to the starting lineup after Orlando lost Paolo Banchero (ankle) during Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves. If he starts, Desmond Bane and Franz Wagner would shift to small forward and power forward, respectively.

Richardson exited early from Friday’s preseason game with a back injury, but that won’t keep him from suiting up in the season opener. Anthony Black (ankle) has been ruled out, so Richardson may take on a few extra minutes off the bench in the backcourt.

Richardson played seven minutes in the first half of Friday’s preseason finale before being shut down with a sore lower back. Orlando has a few days before its regular-season opener; hopefully, that’s enough time for the second-year guard to return to full strength. With Anthony Black still recovering from a sprained ankle, Richardson may get to play a few more minutes early in the season.