The Orlando Magic aren’t 100% in the 2025 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics. Their top ballhandler and facilitator, Jalen Suggs, has been out of the lineup since January after being wheelchaired off the court. On Jan. 3, the Magic guard suffered back spasms and fell to the floor in a 106-97 victory against the Toronto Raptors.
Following that, he missed 10 straight games before a one-game return on Jan. 25. He played 15 minutes in a 121-113 win over the Detroit Pistons. Unfortunately for the Magic, that was the last game he played for the season.
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On March 4, the organization confirmed that Suggs will be out of the lineup indefinitely. The defensive guard had to undergo arthroscopic surgery and was ruled out of the 2024-25 season. He was required to have the procedure to remove a cartilage fragment in his left knee.
Without him, the Magic isn’t at full capacity as he contributes so much offensively and defensively.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Kia Center.Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Orlando has tried their best to battle against the defending champions. Amid their determined playoff outing, a positive video of Suggs circulated on the internet on Sunday. The point guard was practicing his shots with a few members of the Magic staff. The 23-year-old was smiling as he made some shots, and his left knee was taped.
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The video was posted on X by Magic reporter Mason Williams hours before the start of Game 4.
The Magic is missing a lot without Suggs on the floor. This season, the one-time All-Defensive player averaged 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Additionally, the fourth-year player out of Gonzaga is a defensive stopper on the perimeter, often taking care of the opposing team’s best backcourt players.
Without him, head coach Jamahl Mosley turned to veteran guard Cory Joseph to take over the starting point guard spot in the postseason. Through Games 1 to 3, Joseph has averaged 4.3 points and two assists.
Related: Orlando Magic Reveal Frustrating News on Jalen Suggs