Suggs, Sheppard Set to Return for Magic-Pacers Matchup on Wednesday
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Orlando guard Jalen Suggs is expected to rejoin the starting lineup Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers after missing the last seven games with a left hip contusion, the Magic announced.
Suggs, injured during the NBA Cup semifinal versus New York, has been a key two-way presence for Orlando. The fifth-year guard is averaging 15.4 points, 4.8 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 25.6 minutes, shooting 47.1% from the field, 32.8% from three and 86.2% at the foul line. The Magic are 13-8 when he plays and 5-7 without him; they outscore opponents by 9.6 points per 100 possessions in his 538 minutes on the court, but are minus-2.6 in the 1,056 minutes he has sat.
Orlando will still be without Jonathan Isaac (sore left knee) and rookie Jett Howard (illness) on Wednesday.
The Pacers will likewise get backcourt help, as head coach Rick Carlisle said Ben Sheppard is available after an 11-game absence caused by a left calf strain. The third-year shooting guard last played on Dec. 3 and had been averaging 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 25.0 minutes, shooting 35.4% overall and 27.3% from deep before the injury.
Carlisle indicated Sheppard will have a minutes restriction similar to that of Aaron Nesmith, who logged 19 and 24 minutes in his first two games back from a knee issue.
Source: Hoops Rumors
