This is a real blow to a player having a breakout season, let alone an Orlando team in the midst of a fight for a playoff spot.
The Magic’s Jonathan Isaac will be re-evaluated in two months — and very well may be out longer — after an MRI revealed a posterior lateral corner injury of his left knee as well as a bone bruise. Isaac was injured just minutes into the game against Portland on Monday, having to leave the game with a hyperextended left knee.
“While this certainly is disappointing news, there was no damage to his ACL, MCL, and PCL ligaments,” Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman said. “All signs point to a complete recovery and this should not impact his future growth.”
Isaac has been having by far his best season, his third in the NBA. On offense he’s averaged 12 points and 6.9 rebounds a game, both career bests. However, his bigger impact is on the defensive end, where he is a long, athletic, switchable defender averaging 2.4 blocks and 1.6 steals a game. He’s had the kind of season that would get him All-Defensive Team votes.
Now, however, the focus will be getting him healthy and back on the court.