Fans had high hopes for an exciting matchup between the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, with the potential for star players Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Paolo Banchero to make their returns from injuries. However, those hopes were dashed as only one of them will be present at Kia Center.
Wembanyama, who is recovering from a calf injury, will not be ready to play, and fans will need to wait until next season to see the 2023 No. 1 draft pick on the court. San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson confirmed that both Wembanyama and Castle, who is dealing with a hip flexor strain, are progressing with their recovery but will not participate in this game. The duo could potentially join the Spurs on their upcoming four-game road trip. Johnson emphasized the importance of managing their recoveries wisely, prioritizing their long-term health and the team’s interests.
On the bright side for the Magic, center Goga Bitadze has been cleared to play after a hip issue caused him to exit Monday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. Bitadze has been a solid contributor off the bench, with a notable performance that included eight points, five rebounds, and four blocks in the last game. His availability will be crucial as the Magic face the Spurs, who are coming off a game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Franz Wagner will also be in the lineup, although he is still wearing a protective face mask due to an earlier injury. Unfortunately, Banchero will miss his 10th consecutive game due to a left groin strain. Despite this, there is optimism around his return, as Magic coach Jamahl Mosley shared that being homed this week will help Banchero in his recovery process. He has been focused on rehabilitation and non-contact workouts and aims to ramp up to full contact soon.
Looking ahead, the Magic have a favorable schedule that could facilitate Banchero’s return. If he isn’t ready to take the court by their game against the Miami Heat on Friday, they may see him play in their NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup at Kia Center on December 9. While the absence of key players like Banchero may be felt, the Magic remain hopeful for a strong performance against San Antonio and the rest of their upcoming opponents.