Several Magic stars could miss the Playoff rematch vs. Cavaliers

On By Littum

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic gave NBA fans the best first-round playoff series last season. It took seven games to decide a winner, but the Cavs advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Orlando and Cleveland meet Friday night for the first time since this series, but the Magic may be without several of their star players for this nationally televised showdown.

Paolo Banchero is currently listed as questionable on the NBA injury report with a right abdominal strain. This was reported by Shams Charania of ESPN that he will be re-evaluated before deciding whether to play against the Vin and Gold on Friday night.

Banchero has had a hot start to the season. Through Orlando’s first five games of the year, he is averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists. Needless to say, not having their star for this matchup would be a massive loss for Orlando.

Franz Wagner’s availability is also uncertain as the forward is listed as questionable with an illness (from Thursday evening).

Wagner was another key player in Orlando’s playoff run with the Cavs. The 23-year-old forward has also played in the Magic’s first five games, averaging 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists in those games.

Franz Wagner defends Donovan Mitchell

3 May 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) blocks a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first quarter of Game 6 of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at the Kia Center. Mandatory credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images / Mike Watters-Imagn Images

On Cleveland’s side, Max Strus is still out as he recovers from a sprained ankle, and Craig Porter Jr. is in doubt with a thumb injury. Luke Travers and JT Thor have also been ruled out as they are on a G League assignment.