Wendell Carter Jr. Out Indefinitely After Fracturing Hand In Magic Loss
Wendell Carter Jr. Out Indefinitely After Fracturing Hand In Magic Loss...
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. will miss significant time after fracturing his left hand during Friday night's 117-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls. The injury occurred in the third quarter when Carter landed awkwardly after contesting a shot, immediately clutching his hand in visible pain.
The 26-year-old big man underwent imaging Saturday morning that confirmed a metacarpal fracture, the team announced. Carter, who averages 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds this season, is a critical piece for Orlando's playoff push. The Magic currently hold the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference at 44-32.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley told reporters Carter will be reevaluated in two weeks but acknowledged "this is a tough blow." The injury comes at a brutal time with just six games remaining before the postseason. Orlando faces Milwaukee, Houston, and Philadelphia in their next three matchups.
Carter's absence thrusts backup center Goga Bitadze into a starting role. The Georgian big man has shown flashes this season but lacks Carter's two-way versatility. The Magic may also explore small-ball lineups with Paolo Banchero at center.
Fans flooded social media with concern after Carter's injury, with #PrayForWendell trending on Twitter. The Duke product had been enjoying his healthiest NBA season, playing 71 games before Friday's injury. Carter missed 56 games last year with various ailments.
The timing couldn't be worse for Orlando's playoff positioning. They're just 1.5 games ahead of the 6th-seeded Pacers and 3 games clear of the play-in tournament. Carter's interior defense and floor-spacing (36% from three) will be sorely missed during this critical stretch.
Teammate Franz Wagner called Carter "our anchor" postgame, while Banchero added: "We've got to step up for him now." The Magic's next game comes Sunday afternoon against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in Milwaukee.
