NBA Notes: Bulls, Josh Giddey, Magic, Franz Wagner, Clippers

Bulls

Bulls point guard Josh Giddey went through a full practice Wednesday and plans to return Thursday against the Raptors, per K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network.

Giddey has been sidelined since Jan. 28 with a left hamstring strain. His return comes after a dramatic reshaping of Chicago’s backcourt, which saw the Bulls move on from Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Dalen Terry, while waiving Jevon Carter. Chicago brought in Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Jaden Ivey, and Rob Dillingham as part of the overhaul.

Thursday will mark Giddey’s first game with that new group in place.

Magic

Franz Wagner will be out indefinitely.

Shams Charania of ESPN reports Wagner continues to deal with soreness in his left ankle following a high ankle sprain suffered in early December. The Magic confirmed Wagner will be reevaluated in three weeks.

Wagner has missed 25 of the past 29 games and has not returned to full strength despite brief appearances in January. He was averaging 23.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists before the injury.

Orlando went 14-9 with Wagner healthy and has played below .500 since. At 28-25, the Magic sit in play-in territory and will continue without him when they open the second half Thursday in Sacramento.

Clippers

The Clippers are converting Jordan Miller from a two-way deal to a standard contract, Charania reports.

Miller, the 48th pick in 2023, has carved out a steady role since mid-December and has appeared in each of the Clippers’ last 29 games. During that stretch, Los Angeles is 20-9.

In his past 18 games, Miller is averaging 12.4 points in nearly 26 minutes while shooting better than 52 percent from the field. Law Murray of The Athletic reports the new deal includes a team option for 2026-27.

The move also opens two two-way slots for the Clippers as they manage roster limits heading into the stretch run.