Warriors and Magic face injury concerns ahead of Chase Center matchup
Magic and Warriors Meet at Chase Center With Depleted Rosters
The Golden State Warriors host the Orlando Magic on Saturday night at the Chase Center with a 6-3 record following a home victory over the Miami Heat, while Orlando arrives at 2-6 after a road loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Stephen Curry paced the Warriors in Thursday’s win with 29 points and four assists. Yaxel Lendeborg contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
Orlando absorbed a road defeat against Phoenix despite Wendell Carter Jr. logging 27 points and 13 rebounds. Franz Wagner added 15 points, eight rebounds, 15 assists, and four steals for the Magic.
No changes to the #Magic injury report for Saturday’s game at Golden State. Meanwhile, the Warriors list Draymond Green (right elbow inflammation/soreness) and Gary Payton II (right calf tightness/soreness) both as Questionable. pic.twitter.com/yBM53gs0NM
Jalen Suggs Ruled Out as Magic Face Five-Player Injury List
The Magic carry five players on their injury report ahead of the 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Jalen Suggs remains sidelined due to a right knee contusion and bone bruise, missing his sixth consecutive contest.
Orlando has also ruled out Paolo Banchero with a high right ankle sprain, Jonathan Isaac due to left knee injury management, Izaiyah Nelson recovering from a left ankle injury, and Noah Penda with a partially torn right hamstring. Anthony Black and Jase Richardson are positioned to absorb increased playing time in the absence of Suggs.
Draymond Green and Gary Payton II Questionable for Golden State
The Warriors list six players on their own injury report, introducing uncertainty regarding key rotation pieces. Draymond Green carries a questionable designation due to right elbow soreness and inflammation, threatening his first absence since November 1. Charles Bassey and Al Horford stand ready for larger roles if Green cannot go.
Gary Payton II is questionable with right calf soreness and tightness, while Gui Santos carries a questionable tag due to left knee tendinitis. Kristaps Porzingis remains away from the team and out of the lineup, while Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody continue recovering from knee surgeries.
Draymond Green (elbow), Gui Santos (knee) and Gary Payton II (calf) all questionable for the Warriors tomorrow night vs Magic. Orlando is without Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs right now.
Golden State Leads the League in Three-Pointers
Golden State enters the matchup averaging 117.8 points per game while surrendering 113, establishing a positive 4.8 scoring margin. The team converts 16.1 three-pointers per contest, leading the league in that category.
Conversely, Orlando yields 115 points per game while scoring 105.5, resulting in a negative 9.5 scoring differential. Franz Wagner leads the active Orlando offense with 19.6 points per contest, while Curry paces Golden State at 29.9 points per game.