The Orlando Magic were in Las Vegas to take on the New York Knicks in the semifinals of the NBA Cup on Saturday. The Magic fell short against the New York Knicks, but that was not the worst news of the game. Jalen Suggs was the best player on the team in the loss, but he was playing through pain. Despite scoring 26 points and owning a +8 point differential, Suggs left the game early with a hip injury.
When the team returned to Orlando, Suggs received an MRI. The results were more encouraging than the Magic may have expected. Per Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, Suggs has a left hip contusion. This means there is no structural damage to the area, but rather just a very painful bruise.
Suggs’ return will be dependent on how he responds to treatment. But it would not be surprising to see him miss a game or two.
Jalen Suggs’ Injuries This Season
Finding a way to play through injuries is nothing new for the Magic. Orlando has had to play games without Paolo Banchero this season already. The team has also played five games without Suggs on the court.
Suggs missed the beginning of the year as he recovered from a knee surgery that ended his 2024/2025 season. The 24-year-old played just 35 games last season, and he was on track to be much healthier this year. Now, this hip contusion will not keep him out long, but Suggs is no stranger to missing time in the NBA.
Without the Gonzaga product on the court this year, Orlando is 2-3. In those five games, the Magic are scoring 2.8 points less per game and allowing 3.4 more points. It may not seem like a significant difference, but that is the difference between winning and losing. In fact, without Suggs, the Magic lost by double digits in two of those three losses.
Suggs’ Season So Far
Suggs has been a huge asset for the Magic this season. He is averaging 15.4 points, 1.9 steals, and 4.8 assists per game. The numbers are not overly impressive, but he does not have to be the best player on the team.
Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane can do a majority of the scoring. But when they are out, or having off nights, that is when Suggs has the ability to take over — as he showed Saturday vs. the Knicks.
In December, Suggs has scored 20-plus points in four of his six games. Additionally, the fifth-year guard is averaging 19.8 points and 2.2 steals per game. He has been scoring much better, and his defense is improving, as well.
This injury diagnosis is the best-case scenario for the Magic. Instead of missing extended time, Orlando should get Suggs back quickly. The guard has not been ruled out of Orlando’s next game, but there is a chance he sits. That game is Thursday night against the Denver Nuggets, as Orlando begins a four-game road trip. The Magic also play on Saturday night before ending their trip with a back-to-back on Monday and Tuesday.
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