Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-89 on Thursday night at the Kia Center. It was a lackluster night for the young club, which continues to struggle with the loss of several key players.
Forward Paolo Banchero (torn right oblique), Franz Wagner (torn right oblique), Jalen Suggs (low back strain), Gary Harris (left hamstring strain), and Moe Wagner (torn ACL in his left knee) were all unavailable.
Although four out of the five players in the Magic’s starting lineup scored in double digits, there was little scoring support from the bench. Goga Bitadze continued his steady performances by contributing 15 points and eight assists.
Caleb Houstan chipped in with 14 points, largely thanks to his 3-point shooting, hitting four of six from deep. He has struggled offensively in recent games, so it was encouraging to see him regain some confidence and contribute more effectively.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 13 points, and Cole Anthony scored 12. Anthony Black was the only player off the bench to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points.
The Timberwolves, who have been underwhelming in the Western Conference this season, dominated the Magic from the start. They outscored Orlando 29-18 in the opening quarter and held a commanding 23-point lead at halftime.
For the Wolves, Julius Randle posted a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Anthony Edwards tallied 21 points, including a highlight-reel dunk over Anthony Black. Rudy Gobert contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Orlando showed some fight in the third quarter, scoring 23 points to Minnesota’s 26, but the Magic lacked the offensive firepower to mount a serious comeback.
The Magic are beginning to inch closer to full strength. Paolo Banchero, who was listed as questionable until just 30 minutes before tipoff, participated in a full practice on Wednesday, raising expectations that he could return soon.
Banchero is one of the Magic’s key leaders, and his absence after just five games this season has been a significant challenge for head coach Jamahl Mosley and his squad.
“I just think it’s about making sure he’s available for the long haul,” Mosley said of the decision to hold Banchero out Thursday. “Walking into a back-to-back situation plays a part in that. But it’s also about keeping him healthy for the duration, not just trying to rush him back.”
After starting the season 10-0 at home, the Magic have gone 3-6 in their last nine games at the Kia Center.
The Magic will look to bounce back quickly, as they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday for a 7 p.m. tipoff.
