Wendell

Carter

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.

Bane was effective on both ends of the floor on Friday, as his impact helped the Magic get back into the win column. Bane’s 27 points only trailed Wendell Carter Jr.'s 27 points for the most on the team. His three-point shooting was a factor, as was his ability to convert at the line. Additionally, the sixth-year guard tied a team high in rebounds, assists, and steals. Bane did it all for the Magic, and they’re going to need more of the same from him in an attempt to move up in the standings and out of the Play-In Tournament.

Carter’s 28 points led all Magic players on Friday, as Desmond Bane’s 27 points were the only other players’ in the vicinity. In 36 minutes, the veteran center was accurate outside the arc and really utilized the charity stripe to his advantage. Carter didn’t put up big numbers in any other statistical category. However, his high production as a scorer was enough to provide positive value from a fantasy standpoint.

Carter’s 14 points were the most among Magic starters, with Jamal Cain (17 points, one rebound and two three-pointers) doing his damage off the bench. Carter has reached double figures in scoring in 11 of his last 12 appearances, and he’s been more consistent as a rebounder as well. As a result, the Magic center has been a top-100 player over the past three weeks. With Orlando playing two more games in Week 23, Carter would be worth a look in some 12-team leagues if he’s sitting on the waiver wire.

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.

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.

While Carter’s rebounding output took a hit on Monday after corraling at least eight in his three prior outings, he extended his run of double-digit scoring nights to four. Rostered in 37 percent of Yahoo! leagues, the Magic center has provided seventh-round value since Orlando began its seven-game win streak on March 5. Of course, they’ll have to begin a new streak after Monday’s defeat, and Orlando hosts the Thunder on Tuesday.

The Magic received double-doubles from two of their starting frontcourt players, Carter and Paolo Banchero (18/11/5). The former produced a complete stat line against the Wizards, with the four defensive contributions being the most in a game for Carter since a January 18 loss to the Grizzlies. Carter’s season-long fantasy value has been solid, but he remains a challenging player to trust fully in 12-team leagues.