Orlando

Magic

Castleton is dealing with a fractured left thumb, so he isn’t going to be available for quite some time. And with the 6-foot-10 center being on a two-way contract, his availability does not affect fantasy basketball or the Magic rotation.

After a few rough outings, Bane came up big to help the Magic advance to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. Bane joked after the game that he just lost $35,000 (courtesy of him throwing a ball at OG Anunoby), and that he’s “gotta go get it back somehow.” Orlando just lost Franz Wagner (ankle) to what is expected to be a multi-week absence. Bane figured things out after a slow start to the season when Paolo Banchero missed time, and now Bane will get the opportunity to gel with Banchero with Wagner sidelined. While Bane has shown on multiple occasions that he can still be as productive as he was in Memphis, it hasn’t happened consistently when this team is healthy. For now, he’ll look to help the Magic win the NBA Cup by taking on more responsibility on offense, which is a great thing for fantasy managers.

The start of the season was rough for Suggs, largely because of a minutes restriction. Since then, he has dealt with injuries that have limited him, but this current stretch has been excellent. He has scored at least 20 points in three of his last four games, and with Franz Wagner (ankle) set to miss time, he’ll continue to be prioritized on offense.

For just the fourth time this season, Carter was able to record a double-double, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. He helped Orlando outrebound Miami 47-39, which allowed them to secure the win and advance to the semifinals of the NBA Cup. Carter has improved his points, rebounds, three-pointers and field goal percentage from last season, and while he isn’t a great fantasy option, he is a reliable starter.

With Franz Wagner sidelined with a high ankle sprain, Black made a return to the starting lineup. He didn’t have an efficient night on offense, but there were some nice moments for him, and he was able to stuff the stat sheet. Wagner’s injury will likely keep him sidelined for multiple weeks, which makes this a great opportunity for Black. Currently rostered in 31 percent of Yahoo! leagues, the 2023 lottery pick should be considered a priority streaming option.

In Orlando’s first game without Franz Wagner (ankle), Black will slide into the starting unit. This will be Black’s fifth start this season, and he has generally been productive. Wagner is expected to miss multiple weeks, and if Black is able to maintain this starting role, he will be a must-roster player in most formats.

Suggs injured his leg during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Knicks, but he did return to the bench after a brief stretch in the locker room. His absence from the injury report means the Magic point guard will be available for Tuesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal.

Franz landed awkwardly on his left leg during Sunday’s game, and while Charania’s report doesn’t include an official timeline from the team, managers should expect a multi-week absence. Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva both stepped up when Paolo Banchero missed time, and both should get a similar boost with Wagner unavailable.

Playing in his second game back from a lengthy layoff, Banchero saw his playing time rise from 20 to 24 minutes. He was an inefficient 4-of-11 from the field, and he’s 7-of-19 for 25 total points across his last two outings. Banchero still looks like he’s ramping up and shaking off the rust, so fantasy managers should be patient with him.

Black shot an inefficient 6-of-16 from the floor and 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. He also committed four turnovers, but fantasy managers playing in eight-cat leagues or those not worried about field-goal percentage were surely pleased with this performance. With Franz Wagner (leg) potentially set to miss time this week, Black could see an uptick in minutes. Jalen Suggs (leg) went to the locker room in the fourth quarter, and though he was able to return, he may be banged up, which could result in even more playing time for Black. Black is rostered in only 27 percent of Yahoo! leagues and should be picked up for the week ahead.