The Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic face off Thursday at 7:00 PM ET with several key players sidelined due to injuries.
Los Angeles will be without Bradley Beal (left hip fracture), Kawhi Leonard (right ankle sprain), Derrick Jones Jr. (right knee sprain), and Jordan Miller (left hamstring soreness).
Orlando’s injury report also impacts Thursday’s matchup, with Paolo Banchero (left groin strain) and Moritz Wagner (left knee recovery) unavailable. Franz Wagner is expected to play wearing a protective face mask, while Colin Castleton, Noah Penda, and Orlando Robinson are out on G League assignments.
The Clippers enter the game at 4-10 after back-to-back close losses, including a 110-108 defeat at the 76ers on November 17. James Harden has led the team in scoring (26.2 points per game) and assists (8.7 per game), while Ivica Zubac averages a double-double with 16 points and 10.8 rebounds. John Collins and Kris Dunn provide secondary scoring and playmaking.
Orlando, at 8-7, is coming off a 121-113 home win over Golden State. Franz Wagner leads the Magic in scoring with 22.8 points per game and adds 6.4 rebounds, while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane contribute across multiple categories. Jalen Suggs leads Orlando in assists with 4.7 per game.
Thursday’s game marks the first meeting of the season between the Clippers and Magic. With recent close losses, Los Angeles will aim to break a two-game skid, whereas Orlando seeks to build momentum following their win against the Warriors.
