Orlando Magic Injuries Fuel Scoring and Trade Concerns

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Injuries and Poor Scoring Raise Concerns About the Orlando Magic

Before the season, one observer criticized a friend for predicting that the Orlando Magic would finish as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. While the concept of the team is appealing, persistent health issues make that outcome difficult to envision.

The Magic have the talent and pieces to become a top-four team in the East, but injuries continue to disrupt the rotation. Whenever one player returns, another seems to get hurt. The team is currently 26th in the league in points per game, the fifth-worst mark overall, making a top-three finish appear unlikely.

There is still support for Coach Sweeney, especially given how difficult it is to succeed with half the team injured. However, a move would not be surprising after the draft picks surrendered in the Desmond Bane trade.

Despite a strong appreciation for Franz Wagner, there is concern that he could become the player moved to recover some of those picks. The discussion then turned playful, with Darius Garland offered as a possible trade piece and Jalen Suggs and his injured knee suggested in return.