Orlando Magic point guard Jalen Suggs is not expected to play on Monday night. His team will take on the Portland Trail Blazers. The decision comes as part of the Magic’s cautious approach towards managing Suggs’ ongoing left knee issues. This is the third game Suggs has missed this season, all of them coming on the second night of back-to-backs.
Suggs, who is averaging 12.1 points and 4.4 assists over eight games this season, has displayed promising performance when healthy. He has played an average of 20.8 MPG, making impactful contributions on the short bursts that he plays in. His long-term health is clearly more important to the Magic than merely being available to play right now.
Suggs’ knee troubles stem from an injury back in college. In that month, he underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a cartilage fragment from his left knee. This procedure brought up concern with his durability. The Magic’s choice to sit him is a great sign that they care far more about him getting completely healthy again before he takes the court.
With Suggs’ status up in the air, the Magic might have to change their approach against the Trail Blazers. This will force them to begin the process of replacing one of their most important starters. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team compensates for his absence and whether Suggs can return to form once he is cleared to play.
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