Orlando Magic vs Atlanta Hawks: preview and player stats (Dec 19, 2026)

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.

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 (hamstring) is making progress but remains without a timetable to return to game action, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports. Penda suffered a partially torn hamstring in the preseason and can still be considered week-to-week moving forward. With the second-year forward and Paolo Banchero (ankle) both sidelined, Tristan da Silva and Jamal Cain should continue seeing increased minutes.

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.

Gueye (foot) is ready to begin on-court activities and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports. The team stated in July that the big man would remain sidelined for the next 3-to-4 months after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left foot, and he's continuing to make progress in his rehab. A timetable for Gueye's 2026-27 debut has yet to be established, thought a date could come into focus following his next evaluation in mid-December.

Flemings (back tightness) will not return to Friday's game against the Bulls. Flemings carried a questionable tag into this game, and it appears as though he irritated his injury again. He ended up finishing scoreless with one rebound and one assist in 17 minutes. Consider him questionable for Sunday against the Bucks.

Newell (toe) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Chicago. Newell will miss a fourth consecutive contest due to a left great toe hyperextension. He can be considered week-to-week until the Hawks provide an update on his progress.

Gilbert (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Bulls. Gilbert continues to deal with lingering knee inflammation and is without a timetable to return. He can be considered week-to-week until the Hawks offer an update on his progress.

Veesaar was diagnosed with a torn right ACL and is expected to miss the 2026-27 season, the Hawks announced Monday. Veesaar suffered the injury during a workout on Sept. 15, and an MRI confirmed the diagnosis. The No. 52 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Veesaar was expected to spend a lot of time with Atlanta's G League affiliate this season. Reported out for season.