Magic vs Celtics: Injury Report, Depth Chart, and More as Mo Wagner’s Season Ends With ACL Tear

4-6! Despite the memorable win records generated during the previous and the ongoing season, the Orlando Magic squad has been unable to get the better of the Boston Celtics from time to time. Furthermore, the team is just starting to recover from a streak that saw them lose 5 of their 7 last games. Therefore, as they take on the defending champions on their home turf, the Kia Center, the Magic roster will be looking to put out their best. Unfortunately, it will be hard to do so in light of so many players dealing with their own ailment issues.

According to the Orlando Magic Injury Report, not 1, but 6 players are listed! On top of that, 4 have been declared ‘OUT’ for the upcoming game! During Magic’s previous matchup against the Miami Heat, Moritz ‘Moe’ Wagner sustained a left knee injury. He returned to the locker room after having played just 2 minutes. The limited time did not allow him to score anything in regards to points, rebounds, and assists. After undergoing further testing to determine the specifics and severity of the injury, the doctors diagnosed the player with an ACL ailment. The severity of it has now caused the team to rule him out for the remainder of the season. This is unfortunate news for the franchise. After all, Wagner’s 12.9 points per game score had made him the 3 highest average scorer from his team.

To make matters worse, the situation for even the Top 2 highest average scorers from the team does not look good. Doctors diagnosed Franz Wagner with a right torn oblique two weeks ago during a Philadelphia 76ers matchup. Since then, the player has been away from the main lineup. He is set to be re-evaluated in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Jalen Suggs sustained an ankle injury during the final 1:36 minutes of the 2nd quarter of the matchup against OKC. Doctors did not consider his injury serious enough to keep him sidelined for the full game, and he returned to the court soon. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, and they declared him ‘OUT’ for the Magic-Heat game. Now, they list him as ‘Questionable’ for the upcoming Celtics game.

Gary Harris hasn’t played a single game in December, thanks to his hamstring injury. However, his ‘Questionable’ status indicates signs of recovery. Playing under a two-way contract, 25-year-old Mac McClung is even ‘OUT’ for the G-League games due to a right leg injury. Furthermore, Paolo Banchero, who hasn’t played a game since late October, continues to recover from his torn right oblique. However, if reports are to be believed, then the player is looking to make a return by Christmas.

When looking at the Injury Report for the Boston Celtics, the defending champions are in a better position, injury-wise. After all, they have only 1 player listed! Sam Hauser, the secondary small forward and power forward, sustained some lower back spasms a few days ago. He has already missed out on his team’s last 2 games. Now, holding a ‘Questionable’ status, there is a good chance that he also misses a 3 consecutive game.

In light of these updates, both teams will have to make adjustments to their starting lineups.

What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Magic-Celtics game look like?

To cover for Moritz Wagner, players like Goga Bitadze and Wendell Carter Jr. can see an increase in their responsibilities. In fact, Bitadze may assume the starter role on the Center front. In case neither players are available, then Jonathan Isaac can cover for them. If Jalen Suggs is not available, then Anthony Black can probably start at the point guard post against the Celtics.

In light of these updates, the starting lineup for the Orlando Magic may look something like this:

According to Rotowire, Jordan Walsh and Jaden Springer could see an increase in their minutes to cover for Sam Hauser. Therefore, given the updates for the Boston Celtics, their starting lineup may look like this:

The Orlando Magic or the Boston Celtics? Who will you be rooting for during the upcoming matchup? Let us know in the comments down below.