The Magic already faced an uphill battle in their first-round playoff series against the Cavaliers after Saturday’s Game 1 loss, and that battle got even tougher Tuesday when Jalen Suggs exited Game 2.
Suggs had to be helped to the locker room after suffering a left leg injury less than 11 minutes into Game 2. Orlando is looking to even the series before heading back to their home court for Games 3 and 4.
The 22-year-old guard averaged 12.6 points in his third NBA season, making major progress as a 3-point shooter to go along with his strong defense. The Magic suffered on the offensive end in Game 1 but turned in a solid defensive performance in a 97-83 defeat.
Here are the latest updates on Suggs’ injury and his status moving forward.
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Jalen Suggs injury update
Suggs went down with a left knee injury after his legs collided with Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell in the first quarter of Tuesday’s Game 2. Magic personnel helped Suggs to the locker room, and the third-year guard did not put any weight on his leg.
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
Suggs was diagnosed with a left knee strain, the Magic announced. While the team labeled him questionable to return in the game, Suggs reentered for the third quarter.
INJURY UPDATE:@OrlandoMagic guard Jalen Suggs has been diagnosed with a left knee strain and is questionable to return to tonight’s Game 2 at Cleveland.#EverybodyIn #NBAPlayoffs
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) April 23, 2024
Even with Suggs back on the court, the Magic don’t have much room for error. They already trail 1-0 in the series against Cleveland, and they faced a 14-point halftime deficit. And now they’re playing with a hobbled Suggs.
Cole Anthony picked up more minutes for the Magic after Suggs’ injury, playing nine minutes in the first half after only totaling 11 in Game 1. He shot 0-for-3 in the first half as Orlando struggled to find a rhythm on offense.
Suggs struggled offensively himself in Game 1, scoring 13 points but doing so on only 4-of-16 shooting. The Magic were counting on Suggs’ defensive abilities in Game 2, but a better offensive performance could have been the difference after Orlando struggled to score in Game 1.
Suggs played 75 games in the regular season, easily setting a new career-high.