Orlando Magic vs Chicago Bulls: preview and player stats

Suggs (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Kings. The 25-year-old floor general hasn't played since Oct. 25 due to a right knee bone bruise, though he's "progressing positively" and has returned to on-court activity, according to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. The Magic said that Suggs' return will depend on how his knee responds to increased on-court activities, so he can be considered week-to-week until the Magic provide another update on his progress.

Banchero is expected to be sidelined for the next four-to-six weeks due to a right high-ankle sprain, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. Banchero left during Friday's loss against the Timberwolves due to an ankle injury, and follow-up tests have confirmed a high-ankle sprain for the fifth-year forward. With an extended absence expected, the Magic will have to rely more heavily on Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane offensively, and Tristan da Silva figures to be the top candidate to enter the Magic's starting lineup for as long as Banchero is sidelined.

Da Silva (calf) is listed as out for Wednesday's game versus the Jazz. Da Silva will miss his second consecutive contest. With Orlando also down Paolo Banchero (ankle), Jalen Suggs (knee) and Jamal Cain (shoulder), head coach Sean Sweeney will shuffle things around, resulting in Alex Morales making his first career start. Goga Bitadze and Jase Richardson are in line for more minutes off the bench.

Cain (shoulder) is out for Wednesday's game in Utah. With Cain inactive, Alex Morales will draw the start, and there will be more minutes available for Jase Richardson. For now, Cain should be considered questionable for Friday's matchup with Milwaukee.

Isaac (knee) is out for Tuesday's game against Sacramento. Isaac has yet to make his 2026-27 debut while continuing his rehab from a left knee injury. His next opportunity to take the court will arrive Wednesday in Utah.

Penda was diagnosed with a partially torn right hamstring Saturday, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports. Penda suffered the hamstring tear in Friday's 136-115 preseason win over the Heat. It's unknown how long the injury will keep the 21-year-old off the floor. However, since it's a different injury than the one he suffered in the same hamstring during training camp, the team may take a cautious approach regarding his return. Penda, the No. 32 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, averaged 3.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists over 12.8 minutes per outing in 59 regular-season games in 2025-26. While he's not expected to be a mainstay in the rotation throughout the 2026-27 campaign, his absence could open up a few minutes for Tristan Da Silva.

Team president Jeff Weltman said Monday that Nelson (ankle) remains about a month away from returning to the court after offseason surgery, per Philip Rossman-Reich of OrlandoMagicDaily.com. With Nelson still in recovery mode from the left ankle surgery he underwent this summer, his path back to game action remains delayed for the early part of the season. The rookie big man is on a two-way contract with the Magic, so his short-term absence mainly affects his developmental timeline rather than Orlando's regular rotation.

Powell (shoulder) won't play in Wednesday's game against the Spurs,Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic reports. Powell will miss his second consecutive contest due to a shoulder injury. Head coach Tiago Spltter stated that the 33-year-old veteran is "probably at 70 percent," so there's a chance he won't play Friday against Atlanta. In the meantime, Isaac Okoro is expected to stay in the starting lineup, with significant usage bumps going to Josh Giddey and Caleb Wilson (hip), assuming the latter is cleared to play.

Wilson won't return to Wednesday's game against the Spurs due to a right hand injury. He'll finish with 15 points (5-7 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds and one steal in 15 minutes. Wilson turned in an efficient performance en route to 15 points before exiting Wednesday's contest early in the third quarter. The rookie forward's status will be worth monitoring ahead of Friday's game against Atlanta. If he's forced to miss time, Leonard Miller, Patrick Williams and Noa Essengue would be candidates for increased minutes.

Awaka (back) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs. Awaka will be held out of Wednesday's contest due to lower-back tightness. However, his absence shouldn't cause any significant waves in the rotation.

Swain (back) is out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs. Swain will spend another game on the inactive list, and his next chance to play will come Friday against the Hawks. Swain is not a regular part of the Bulls' rotation.