The Orlando Magic are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, aiming for a crucial interconference win. The Lakers enter the matchup after a tough 146-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls, while the Magic are coming off a 120-105 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday.
Injuries have been a recurring challenge for Orlando this season, with several key players missing time. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner dealt with oblique injuries earlier in the year but have since returned. However, Moritz Wagner suffered a season-ending ACL tear in December. Jalen Suggs remains out indefinitely following arthroscopic knee surgery, and Cole Anthony has missed two consecutive games after aggravating a left foot injury on March 15 against the Cavaliers.
While Jalen Suggs has already been ruled out for the matchup against the Lakers, there was optimism that Cole Anthony might return after the Magic’s official injury report was released on Sunday. However, reports indicate that he did not take part in Monday’s shootaround, signaling a setback in his recovery.
According to Orlando Magic reporter Jason Beede: “Cole Anthony (left big toe strain) and two-way guard Trevelin Queen (left ankle sprain) did not participate in #Magic shootaround ahead of tonight’s game against the Lakers.”
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The Magic (33-38) currently hold the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference, maintaining a slim two-game lead over the Chicago Bulls (31-40) as they push to secure a play-in berth. Meanwhile, the Lakers (43-27) are in the hunt for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, sitting two games behind the Houston Rockets.
Monday’s matchup marks the second meeting between these teams this season. Orlando edged out Los Angeles 119-118 on Nov. 23 and will aim to complete the season sweep against a Lakers squad looking to rebound.
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