Injury Update, Awards Buzz Highlight Latest Developments for Magic, Celtics and Heat
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ORLANDO — The Magic announced Saturday that an MRI on guard Jalen Suggs’ right knee showed a Grade 1 MCL contusion with no structural damage. While the diagnosis avoided more serious findings, the team did not provide a recovery timetable and has already ruled Suggs out of Sunday’s home game against the Pacers.
Suggs exited Friday’s matchup in Chicago midway through the third quarter after absorbing contact on a drive. He briefly returned to shoot free throws but was removed soon afterward when mobility issues persisted. The injury interrupts a season in which the third-year guard has appeared in 23 of Orlando’s 35 games, averaging 15.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists. The Magic hold a team-best plus-10.1 net rating when he is on the floor.
Celtics
BOSTON — Celtics swingman Jaylen Brown expressed frustration Friday after Knicks guard Jalen Brunson captured Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors for December. Responding with the abbreviation “Smh” on social media, Brown later told reporters the vote reflected what he views as an overemphasis on offensive statistics.
Brown argued that two-way impact, including his ability to defend multiple positions, receives less recognition than box-score scoring totals. Boston went 9-3 in December, while New York finished 10-4, a stretch that included the Knicks’ run to the NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinals.
Heat
MIAMI — Reserve forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. has emerged as a key contributor for the Heat, leading all NBA bench players with 530 points this season. Several teammates have publicly advocated for the second-year pro in the early Sixth Man of the Year conversation.
Following a dip in production last season, Jaquez said a renewed focus on conditioning and perspective helped regain his form. Miami has benefited from his downhill attacking style and consistent scoring punch with the second unit.
Source: Hoops Wire
