Jalen Suggs Cleared to Play Against Warriors After Groin Injury

ORLANDO, Florida — Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs has been cleared to play against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night after sitting out the previous game due to right groin soreness.

Suggs participated in the morning shootaround and completed non-contact work, leading to his availability for the game scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Eastern at the Kia Center. His return adds depth to a Magic lineup that has faced injury challenges, particularly with star forward Paolo Banchero out due to a left groin strain.

“Jalen is good to go for tonight’s game,” reported Jason Beede from the Orlando Sentinel. Suggs was initially listed as questionable before the game, raising concerns among fans about his participation.

The Magic (7-7) aim to improve their record after a tough overtime loss to the Houston Rockets on Sunday. In that game, Orlando was forced to depend heavily on players like Franz Wagner, who scored 29 points. Wagner will play against the Warriors but will continue to wear a protective face mask due to a recent nose injury.

The Warriors (9-6) visit Central Florida on a mission to secure their fourth consecutive victory on their six-game road trip. Like the Magic, they are dealing with their own injury concerns, missing Jonathan Kuminga due to bilateral knee patellar tendonitis and DeAnthony Melton following left ACL surgery.

Despite the setbacks, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is optimistic, noting the challenge of the team’s schedule. “The Miami game will be our 17th game in 29 days in 13 different cities,” Kerr said. “It’s been the toughest early schedule I’ve ever been a part of in my entire NBA life.”

This matchup marks the first of two meetings between the two teams this season, with the next scheduled for December 22 at Chase Center. Historically, the Magic have struggled against the Warriors, losing four straight games in their series. Their last victory against Golden State was on January 7, 2023, when they won 115-101.

As both teams prepare to face off, expectations remain high. With Suggs back in the lineup, coach Jamahl Mosley can better manage the Magic’s backcourt, providing much-needed support for the team’s offensive efforts against Golden State.