The Magic already faced an uphill battle in their first-round playoff series against the Cavaliers after Saturday's Game 1 loss, and that battle got even tougher Tuesday when Jalen Suggs exited Game 2.
Suggs had to be helped to the locker room after suffering a left leg injury less than 11 minutes into Game 2. While he returned in the third quarter, the Magic lost, 96-86, and head back to their home court trailing 2-0 in the series.
The 22-year-old guard averaged 12.6 points in his third NBA season, making major progress as a 3-point shooter to go along with his strong defense, which he put on display in both games of the series.
Here are the latest updates on Suggs' injury and his status moving forward.
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Jalen Suggs injury update
Suggs went down with a left knee injury after his legs collided with Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell in the first quarter of Tuesday's Game 2. Magic personnel helped Suggs to the locker room, and the third-year guard did not put any weight on his leg.
Jalen Suggs is in visible pain after colliding with Donovan Mitchell. pic.twitter.com/bI2HC2venW
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) April 22, 2024
Suggs was diagnosed with a left knee strain, the Magic announced. While the team labeled him questionable to return in the game, Suggs reentered for the third quarter.
INJURY UPDATE:@OrlandoMagic guard Jalen Suggs has been diagnosed with a left knee strain and is questionable to return to tonight’s Game 2 at Cleveland.#EverybodyIn #NBAPlayoffs
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) April 23, 2024
Even with Suggs back on the court, the Magic didn't have much room for error, as they faced a 14-point halftime deficit.
Cole Anthony picked up more minutes for the Magic after Suggs' injury, playing nine minutes in the first half after only totaling 11 in Game 1. He shot 0-for-3 in the first half as Orlando struggled to find a rhythm on offense.
Suggs struggled offensively himself in Game 1, scoring 13 points but doing so on only 4-of-16 shooting. He finished Game 2 with nine points, six rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes.
In the regular season, Suggs played 75 games, easily setting a new career-high. And despite his knee strain in Game 2, he expects to be back on the court in Game 3.
"It's going to be just fine. It's going to be just fine," he said after Monday's game. "We play Thursday at 7 and I'm going to be present."
