Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic Reveal Frustrating News on Jalen Suggs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Charles Negron | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 5:21 PM ET

The Orlando Magic started 1-0 after the NBA All-Star break after overcoming a 19-point deficit early Wednesday night against the Southeast division rival Atlanta Hawks.

Seemingly back to form after a long hiatus this season, Paolo Banchero scored 36 points complemented by 25 points from Franz Wagner for a 114-108, series-tying win. Both stars were hit with the injury bug earlier this year, something that starting guard Jalen Suggs is still dealing with heading into the team's stretch run.

The No. 7 seeded Orlando Magic are still without the team's heartbeat as Suggs has been sidelined since Jan. 25 with a left quad contusion. Head coach Jamahl Mosley was coy on a timeline when asked when Suggs is expected to return. Mosely admitted Suggs has been unable to log many practice minutes at full contact.

“We have the best facility in the league and being able to get the right type of treatment," Mosley told reporters on Thursday. "The right type of things there in that facility is going to be so important for him.”

#Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said Jalen Suggs — who was ruled OUT Wednesday for tonight’s game at Atlanta due to a left quad contusion — is back home getting treatment “because it’s such a quick trip.”

Orlando hosts Memphis on Friday in the 2nd game of a back-to-back. pic.twitter.com/lazwgjwAV2
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) February 20, 2025

Suggs did not make the trip to Atlanta, Ga. opting to receive treatment at the Magic's state-of-the-art 130,000 square-foot AdventHealth Training Center in downtown Orlando, Fla. The guard will not play against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

For the last 3 years, I've been saying Jalen Suggs' functional handle is the separator for him becoming a real dude on offense. The last two games, I've loved his patience and comfort in tight areas. Really like the way he snakes the ball screen into a one-hand gather/finish. pic.twitter.com/xv9aVjBZnc
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) December 11, 2024

Every win is critical for this second half push after the break if the Magic hope to avoid the NBA play-in tournament to make the postseason.

Getting Jalen Suggs healthy and contributing would be ideal for a team that has weathered long stretches without all their stars available. Orlando plays the Grizzlies as the second part of a back-to-back following the team's win at Atlanta. The Magic host the Washington Wizards on Sunday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: