Orlando has found a way to live without Banchero, who is out 4-to-6 weeks with a high-ankle sprain. Franz Wagner put up 33 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in Sacramento to end a 4-game skid. Anthony Black added 26 points, 7 boards, 5 assists and 4 steals, and that was Orlando's first November win. A night later in Utah the Magic were down 87-85 after 3 quarters and won the 4th 38-21 to take it 123-108, on the 2nd night of a back-to-back.
The Orlando injury list is long enough to fill its own card. Jalen Suggs is out with a knee bone bruise. Jonathan Isaac is still out with his knee. Tristan da Silva (calf) and Jamal Cain (shoulder) both missed the Utah game. Noah Penda's torn hamstring and Izaiyah Nelson's ankle surgery cut into the wing depth too. The Magic went with Black, Desmond Bane, Morales, Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. as their starters in Utah. Whoever is healthy enough Friday will get real minutes.
Watch the boards. The Magic are thin on wings but still have size up front with Wagner and Carter, and Milwaukee just got crushed on the glass at MSG. If Turner plays and plays like a starting center, the Bucks can at least keep it a game. If he's out again or posts another 1-for-7, Milwaukee has nothing to stop the second-chance points, and that's how they keep losing by double digits.
Tip is 7:00 PM ET at the Kia Center. Orlando hasn't strung together more than 2 wins all year and is facing a team that hasn't won since its season opener week. Neither one is playing well, and the Bucks' injury report for Friday is still open. Herro, Turner and Rollins are the 3 names to watch before tip.
