The Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings will face off at Golden 1 Center on Thursday with several key players sidelined due to injuries.
Orlando will be without Franz Wagner, who is managing a high ankle sprain in his left leg. Two-way players Colin Castleton and Alex Morales will remain in the G League. Wagner’s absence leaves Paolo Banchero, Anthony Black, and Wendell Carter Jr. as the primary contributors in Orlando’s frontcourt.
Sacramento enters the contest dealing with multiple injuries. Zach LaVine is recovering from right fifth finger tendon repair, while Domantas Sabonis is sidelined after left knee meniscus surgery. De’Andre Hunter (left eye iritis) and Dylan Cardwell (left ankle sprain) will also miss the game, with Isaiah Stevens assigned to the G League. The Kings’ rotation will lean on DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, and Russell Westbrook to shoulder scoring and rebounding responsibilities.
Statistically, Banchero leads the Magic with 21.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, while Wagner averaged 21.3 points and 5.8 rebounds before his injury. Orlando relies on Black for 16.1 points and 4.0 assists, and Carter Jr. provides 11.6 points with 7.4 rebounds per contest.
For Sacramento, DeRozan averages 18.7 points and 3.2 rebounds. LaVine was posting 19.2 points and 2.8 rebounds, while Sabonis added 15.8 points with 11.4 rebounds per game before his knee issue. Murray has contributed 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in limited appearances. Westbrook continues to produce across multiple stat categories, averaging 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists.
Recent results suggest both teams are searching for consistency. Orlando split its last two games against Milwaukee, winning 118-99 before losing 116-108. Sacramento has dropped consecutive games, falling 120-94 to New Orleans and 121-93 to Utah.
Thursday’s game marks the first matchup of the season between these teams. Orlando sits seventh in the Eastern Conference at 28-25, while Sacramento holds the league’s worst record at 12-44. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET at Golden 1 Center.
