The Orlando Magic are on the road on Thursday night as they travel to take on the Denver Nuggets in an interconference showdown.
Orlando enters Thursday’s game with a 15-11 record after losing in Las Vegas to the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup semifinals on Saturday night.
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Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4)Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
In Saturday’s loss to the Knicks, Jalen Suggs led the way for the Magic as he recorded 26 points and seven assists while Paolo Banchero added 25 points and eight rebounds of his own.
Now Orlando will try to bounce back on Thursday night in a tough road matchup against the Nuggets.
On the other side, Denver enters Thursday’s contest with a 19-6 record after defeating the Houston Rockets at home in overtime on Monday night.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Nikola Jokic led the way for the Nuggets in Monday’s victory as he ended the game with 39 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists while Jamal Murray recorded 35 points and five assists.
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While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Thursday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.
Magic Injury Report, Will Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs Play?
For the Magic, they have four players listed on their injury report, including both Franz Wagner and Suggs.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22)© Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Orlando has ruled out Wagner due to a high left ankle sprain as he will miss his third consecutive contest.
The Magic have also ruled out Suggs due to a left hip contusion that he suffered in Saturday’s loss to the Knicks.
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Orlando Magic guard Jalen SuggsNathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
With both Wagner and Suggs sidelined, Anthony Black Tyus Jones and Jonathan Isaac could all be in line for larger roles.
Moritz Wagner has also been ruled out as he continues to recover from ACL surgery while Tristan da Silva has been listed as questionable with a right shoulder contusion.
Nuggets Injury Report, Will Tim Hardaway Jr., Peyton Watson Play?
On the other side, the Nuggets have four players listed on their injury report, including guard Tim Hardaway Jr.
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Denver Nuggets guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10)Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Denver has listed Hardaway Jr. as questionable due to an illness and he is in danger of missing his first game of the season after playing a season-high 39 minutes against the Rockets on Monday.
If Hardaway Jr. is sidelined, Bruce Brown and Julian Strawther could both have larger roles for the Nuggets.
Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8)David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The Nuggets have also listed Peyton Watson as questionable due to a right trunk contusion that he suffered in Monday’s victory over the Rockets.
Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun have been ruled out as they continue to be sidelined while recovering from injuries.
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Fans can catch Thursday night’s matchup between the Magic and Nuggets from Denver at 9:00 p.m. EST.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.