The Orlando Magic have listed guard Jalen Suggs as questionable for Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers due to back spasms. The matchup at 9:00 p.m. ET on NBA TV comes on the second night of a back-to-back set for Orlando, where managing player health is critical.
Suggs missed Saturday’s double-overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns, marking the second consecutive game he has been sidelined. The 24-year-old last saw action in Orlando’s 131-94 victory over the Sacramento Kings to start their current four-game road trip, contributing nine points, three rebounds, three assists, and one block in 20 minutes. In that outing, he shot 3-for-8 from the field and 3-for-7 from three-point range.
This season, Suggs is averaging 13.9 points, 5.4 assists, four rebounds, and a career-high 1.9 steals per contest while shooting 44.2% overall and 32.8% beyond the arc. He has appeared in 34 games, playing about 26.5 minutes per night and earning recognition as a member of the All-Defensive Second Team.
Meanwhile, Orlando’s injury report also lists Franz Wagner as out with a left high ankle sprain. Wagner is currently undergoing injury management and is expected to be reevaluated in three weeks, further challenging the Magic’s depth on their road trip.
Orlando and Los Angeles Face Roster Challenges Ahead of Tonight’s Game
After their narrow defeat in Phoenix, the Magic aim to regroup despite key absences that have tested their lineup. The Clippers, too, are coping with significant injuries as they prepare for the contest. John Collins remains sidelined due to a head laceration and neck soreness, while Kawhi Leonard is questionable with left ankle soreness after their close loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
Additionally, Darius Garland, acquired recently from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a trade involving James Harden, continues to recover from a surgically repaired left toe injury and remains out for the Clippers. His absence leaves further gaps as Los Angeles navigates this period of injury management.
With both squads managing critical player health issues, the availability of Suggs and other key contributors will likely influence the outcome as Orlando seeks to improve their 29-26 record and make the most of their ongoing road trip.
“We’re doing all we can to evaluate Jalen and get him ready, but we have to be cautious about his back spasms.”?Coach Steve Clifford
