Orlando Magic vs Dallas Mavericks: 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.

Injury/Illness - Right Foot Surgery (2026-11-12, DAL@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-11): Lively (foot) is listed as out for Thursday's game in Minnesota. Lively is still working his way back from foot surgery. He's reportedly trending favorably, though he should continue to be classified as week-to-week, at least until the team provides an update. While Lively remains on the shelf, Daniel Gafford is expected to stay in the starting lineup, with Morez Johnson (shin), Santi Aldama and Moussa Cisse all in line to spend time at the five when needed.

Injury/Illness - Left Shin / Tibia Contusion (2026-11-12, DAL@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-11): Johnson (shin) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against Minnesota. Johnson is expected to return from a one-game absence due to a left shin contusion. The rookie's return would leave fewer minutes available for the likes of Santi Aldama and Caleb Martin.

Injury/Illness - Right Knee Sprain (2026-11-12, DAL@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-11): De Larrea (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game at Minnesota. De Larrea hasn't played since Oct. 26 due to a right knee sprain, but he's expected to be re-evaluated soon. Still, he can be considered week-to-week until Dallas provides an update on his progress.

Injury/Illness - Right Heel Bursitis (2026-11-12, DAL@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-11): Biberovic (heel) is out for Thursday's game against Minnesota. Biberovic remains plagued by right heel bursitis. The rookie forward carries no timetable for his season debut.

Injury/Illness - Right Thumb Splint (2026-11-12, DAL@MIN).