CLEVELAND — Orlando Magic point guard Jalen Suggs is questionable to return to Game 2 of the team’s first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers after suffering a left knee strain, the team announced Monday.
Suggs, a staunch perimeter defender, landed awkwardly and appeared to hyperextend his knee when trying to help cover Donovan Mitchell, who had driven to the foul line. Suggs’ left knee buckled and he fell to the court, where he lay for several minutes before teammates carried him off the court with 4:02 left in the first quarter. Suggs could not put any weight on his left leg as he was helped off the floor.
Jalen Suggs is in visible pain after colliding with Donovan Mitchell. pic.twitter.com/bI2HC2venW
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) April 22, 2024
The Magic trail, 1-0, in this series, and were down 30-18 to the Cavs at the end of the first quarter.
What this means for Orlando
It would be a severe blow to the Magic if Suggs misses time.
Paolo Banchero is the Magic’s best player and Franz Wagner is Banchero’s running mate, but in many ways, Suggs is the heart and soul of the team: its preferred defender at the point of attack and someone whose on-ball pressure creates turnovers that lead to easy transition baskets. Suggs is considered to be a contender for one of the NBA’s All-Defensive teams.
Suggs’ absence will mean larger roles for Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz. — Josh Robbins, NBA senior writer
This story will be updated.
Required reading
(Photo: Patrick Smith/ Getty Images)
