The New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic meet Sunday, January 11, at 3:00 PM ET at the Kia Center, with both teams navigating significant injury concerns entering the afternoon tip.
New Orleans arrives at 9-31 and riding a four-game losing streak, while Orlando sits seventh in the Eastern Conference at 21-18 and is looking to rebound after a home loss to Philadelphia.
The Pelicans’ injury report remains lengthy and continues to affect both ends of the floor. Jose Alvarado is out with a left oblique strain. Herbert Jones is also sidelined with a right ankle sprain.
Saddiq Bey remains out due to a right hip flexor strain, while Dejounte Murray is unavailable following a right Achilles rupture. Hunter Dickinson is listed as out while on a two-way G League assignment.
Despite the injuries, the Pelicans are coming off a 128-107 win over Washington, led by Trey Murphy III, who is averaging 21.7 points per game while shooting 38.5 percent from three.
Orlando’s injury report is also notable, particularly among core rotation players. Franz Wagner is out with a left high ankle sprain, removing the Magic’s leading scorer at 22.7 points per game from the lineup.
Jalen Suggs is unavailable with a right knee MCL contusion. Wendell Carter Jr. is listed as questionable due to a right hip strain, a key status to monitor given his 12.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game anchoring the frontcourt.
Jonathan Isaac is also questionable because of illness, while Tristan da Silva carries a questionable tag with back spasms. Moritz Wagner is listed as available as he continues recovery from a left knee injury. Colin Castleton is out on a two-way G League assignment.
From a matchup standpoint, Orlando’s ability to protect the paint and control the glass could hinge on Carter Jr.’s availability, especially against Zion Williamson, who is averaging 22.8 points on 57.4 percent shooting.
The Magic enter the game allowing 114.9 points per contest, while New Orleans has struggled defensively, giving up 122.3 points per game.
