NBA Notes: Magic, Jalen Suggs, Celtics, deadline, Timberwolves

Magic

Jalen Suggs looks set to return, and Orlando could use every bit of him.

Suggs went through shootaround Saturday and is expected to play against the Cavaliers after missing eight games with a right knee MCL contusion, per Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel.

His availability has been a recurring storyline throughout his career, and this season is no different. He has appeared in just 23 of the Magic’s 43 games.

When he plays, the impact is real. The Magic defend at a high level with Suggs on the floor and fall off sharply without him.

The record tells a similar story. Orlando has been better with him than without him, and his two-way presence remains a stabilizer for a team still searching for consistency.

Health is the swing factor. Always has been. Always will be.

Celtics

Boston is winning, and that is changing the tone of its deadline plans.

ESPN’s Shams Charania said the Celtics are positioned to be aggressive over the next couple of weeks, with a focus on upgrading the frontcourt.

Once viewed as a potential payroll-shedding team, Boston is now in a spot where pushing chips forward makes more sense.

They have contracts. They have assets. And they appear willing to use both.

Timberwolves

Saturday’s Timberwolves-Warriors game in Minneapolis has been postponed and moved to Sunday night.

The league cited safety concerns in the community following a fatal shooting involving federal agents. Minnesota and Golden State will now play back-to-back games on Sunday and Monday.