Jalen Suggs Out Indefinitely with Left Knee Injury, Orlando Magic Confirm

ORLANDO, Fla. – Jalen Suggs of the Orlando Magic has been diagnosed with a trochlea injury in his left knee, the team announced Friday. The injury was revealed after Suggs underwent additional testing, including an MRI, following discomfort experienced during his return-to-play activities.

Suggs has been sidelined for 14 consecutive games since suffering a left quad contusion on January 25 and a prior low back strain that kept him out of 10 games earlier this month. According to the Magic, Suggs is expected to make a full recovery, although no specific timeline has been provided.

The trochlea is a groove at the end of the femur bone that helps guide the kneecap during movement, according to orthopedic experts. Damage to this area can result in pain and instability in the knee joint. A treatment plan for Suggs is currently being developed and may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or potentially arthroscopic surgery to address any cartilage issues.

This season, Suggs, in his fourth year, has played in just 35 games, averaging a career-high 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 41.0 percent from the field. The Magic’s performance without him has been noticeably affected; they hold a record of 20-15 in games he has played but have struggled to a 9-17 mark in his absence.

Despite a promising start to the season, the Magic are now 29-32 overall and rank seventh in the Eastern Conference, putting them in play-in territory as they strive for a playoff spot. The team has lost three of its last four games and faces the Toronto Raptors in a critical matchup this Sunday, February 28.

The absence of Suggs, a key component of both the team’s offense and defense, is particularly felt. He was recognized for his defensive prowess last season, earning a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team, but will not have the opportunity to replicate that achievement this year due to his limited playing time.

The Magic’s cautious approach to Suggs’ recovery aligns with his recent five-year, $150 million rookie scale extension signed last fall, which kicks in for the 2025-26 season. The team aims to ensure he is fully healthy before returning to the court.