Although the Magic would have rather remained in Las Vegas to compete for an NBA Cup championship, Orlando received multiple days at home for rest and recovery instead.
It’s the type of break in action that’s needed for Jamahl Mosley‘s squad, a team that’s currently operating without Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain), Jalen Suggs (left hip bruise) and Moe Wagner (left knee injury recovery) beyond just the normal wear and tear more than a quarter of the way through an 82-game season.
Fittingly, the Magic held a defensive-focused practice Tuesday after they gave up 132 points to the Knicks in a 12-point Cup semifinal loss over the weekend.
“It’s going to be very important for us with guys in, guys out, injuries, bodies beat up a little bit,” Mosley said inside the AdventHealth Training Center about the importance of ironing the details out with multiple rotational players down. “Knowing who’s in that rotation with you, how to play alongside that guy and being able to sit down and guard the right, that’s what we really dove into (Tuesday).”
Suggs spoke to reporters for the first time since he received relatively positive news Monday he only suffered a left hip bruise when he exited early against New York.
“I’m doing good,” he said. “I get to spend some time with our (medical) team and get my body right. So, I’m good.”
A more reserved version of the Magic guard added: “Just working on the body, working on the mind, get everything right and get ready (to be) back to roll.”
Orlando (15-11) didn’t provide a timeline for when Suggs could make his way back to the court, only saying Monday that his return will depend on how he responds to treatment.
To know Suggs avoided a major injury, however, was key for the group, Mosley said.
“It’s always good to know what’s going on a guy, where their pain tolerance is and why they’re feeling something,” the Magic coach said. “For him to get those results not being as bad as we thought it was, is very good.”
Without Suggs and the Wagner brothers available as the Magic open a four-game trip on the West Coast at Denver on Thursday, an opportunity arises for younger players such as third-year pro Jett Howard, first-round pick Jase Richardson and second-rounder Noah Penda to see more time on the court.
“It’s a chance for everybody,” Mosley said. “When you’re down bodies, guys are in and out of lineups, we’ve got to just make sure it’s always going to be the ‘next-man up’ mentality.
“These young guys have proven that they’re ready to step into their moments and play,” he added. “They’ll do exactly what’s asked when their number is called.”
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
Up next …
Magic at Nuggets
When: 9 p.m., Thursday, Ball Arena
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida