NBA Player News

Wagner registered 10 points (3-10 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT) and six rebounds over 20 minutes during Sunday's 108-85 loss to the Mavericks.

Wagner ended up with a decent stat line, though he had one of his worst shooting performances of the campaign. The Magic are extremely thin in terms of frontcourt depth, with Wendell Carter (foot) and Goga Bitadze (foot) being questionable for Monday's matchup at Oklahoma City, so it wouldn't be surprising if Wagner gets the nod in the starting lineup in that contest. For what is worth, Wagner scored in double digits in three of his last four contests, averaging 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest in that span.

Carter (foot) is questionable for Monday's game versus the Thunder.

Carter sustained a left plantar fascia strain during the second quarter of Sunday's 108-85 loss to Dallas, in which he posted six points (2-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two steals, two assists and one rebound across nine minutes. The big man is also dealing with ongoing right knee tendinitis, and it would not come as a surprise to see him sit out on the second day of a back-to-back set. If Carter is unable to play Monday, Moritz Wagner will likely handle an increased workload.

Bitadze (foot) is questionable for Monday's matchup against the Thunder.

Bitadze is in jeopardy of missing a fifth consecutive outing due to a strained tendon in his left foot. If the 25-year-old is able to give it a go Monday, he could see more playing time if Wendell Carter (foot) is ruled out.

Carter has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against Dallas due to a left plantar fascia strain, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.

Carter hobbled off the floor in the second quarter, which could also be attributed to his ongoing right knee tendinitis on top of the new issue with his left foot. The big man played through the knee pain, though the new foot injury is a cause for concern moving forward. Carter's next chance to suit up will come Monday against the Thunder on the second day of a back-to-back set. In the 25-year-old's absence, Moritz Wagner will likely shoulder an increased workload.

Duren supplied 13 points (5-5 FG, 3-4 FT), 17 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal across 33 minutes during Sunday's 106-92 victory over the Nets.

Duren dominated the glass in Sunday's victory, leading all players in rebounds while shooting a perfect mark from the field and finishing with the only double-double of the night. Duren, who also led all players with a trio of blocks, set a new season high in rebounds and has tallied a double-double in three contests this year.

Gafford (undisclosed) returned to Sunday's game against the Magic with 11:04 remaining in the second quarter, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Gafford briefly went back to the locker room in the first quarter before returning to the bench, and eventually to the game. The big man is expected to be available to finish out the remainder of the contest without any restrictions.

Gafford (undisclosed) briefly went back to the locker room in the first quarter of Sunday's game against Orlando but has since returned to the bench, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Gafford briefly exited the game and went to the locker room, though he is back on the bench and will likely return to the floor. If the big man is limited or held out for the remainder of the game, Dereck Lively and Dwight Powell are likely to receive an increase in playing time.

Bamba (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Spurs, Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Bamba has yet to make his regular-season debut due to left knee soreness. The big man has no timetable for a return, though his next chance to suit up will come Wednesday against Philadelphia.

Bitadze (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Dallas, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Bitadze will miss his fourth consecutive matchup due to a strained left foot. The 25-year-old's absence is not expected to cause any waves in the club's rotation, and his next chance to suit up will come Monday versus the Thunder.

Embiid (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Suns, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Embiid will have to wait at least one more game before making his season debut due to a left knee issue. The superstar has been able to participate fully in practice and 5-on-5 scrimmages, though the club seems to be taking its time with the 2023 MVP's recovery. Andre Drummond should continue slotting into the starting five in Embiid's absence. The NBA is also still investigating an altercation that occurred following Saturday's loss to the Grizzlies between Embiid and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. During the altercation, Embiid appeared to shove Hayes in response to a recent column that mentioned Embiid's late brother and son, as well as Hayes' opinion that the superstar has shown a lack of professionalism and drive to stay in shape.