Noah

Penda

Penda had a quiet two-game stretch after a short stint as a temporary starter, but he was able to showcase his upside once again in this game. He has been able to make a big impact on defense, and he has been a better shooter than anticipated. He was able to take on a larger role with Franz Wagner (ankle) sidelined, but when Wagner is available, Penda simply won’t play enough to be worth rostering. However, he holds plenty of upside in dynasty formats.

After missing 16 games with a high ankle sprain, Wagner was back on the court Thursday afternoon in his hometown of Berlin. While the stat line did not include any steals or blocks, the rebounds and three-pointers were solid. Also encouraging for fantasy managers was his playing 27 minutes in his first game back. Wagner’s return meant fewer minutes for Noah Penda (nine points, five rebounds, two assists, one block and one three-pointer in 18 minutes), who is more valuable to dynasty leagues than redrafts.

After missing Friday’s game against the 76ers, da Silva could be back in the lineup against New Orleans. With Jalen Suggs (knee) still out, da Silva should start if he’s available. If he remains out, Noah Penda will likely get another start after finishing with five points, seven rebounds, one steal and two blocks in 30 minutes.

Already without Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner, the Magic won’t have Tristan da Silva for Friday’s game, either. The absences open up a spot in the starting lineup, with Penda receiving the nod. He played 31 minutes in Wednesday’s win over the Nets, tallying 13 points and 11 rebounds. Given Orlando’s lack of wing depth, Penda is worth the risk in deep leagues.

Isaac did not play in Wednesday’s win over the Pacers, resulting in a few additional minutes off the bench for fellow reserve Noah Penda. However, neither has played enough to influence fantasy basketball. Both can remain on the waiver wire in redraft leagues.

Isaac has averaged just 10.4 minutes per game this season, so his availability isn’t a big deal for fantasy managers. With Jett Howard (illness) out, Noah Penda may see a couple of extra minutes off the bench with, but Penda isn’t worth picking up in most formats.

After initially being listed as probable, da Silva has been cleared to return from a four-game absence. Rookies Noah Penda and Jase Richardson took on extra minutes with da Silva sidelined, but both will lose the little streaming value they held with da Silva back.

Da Silva is on track to return after missing Orlando’s last four games. His absence resulted in rookie Noah Penda picking up additional minutes off the bench. While he didn’t do enough to affect redraft leagues, Penda will continue to have value in dynasty formats. Jase Richardson’s playing time will also decrease with da Silva available.

Wagner, who logged 31 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Pistons, is dealing with a left heel contusion. He’s yet to miss a game this season, and his absence would significantly impact the Magic rotation. Tristan da Silva may be the player most likely to move into the starting lineup if Wagner can’t play, with rookie Noah Penda also in the running for increased playing time.

Penda didn’t check into his first game for Orlando until the second half. The second round pick has plenty of upside, but he likely will only play a small role for a contender in the East this year, making him worthy of a stash in dynasty leagues, but not much else.