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Orlando Magic Grades: Washington Wizards 130, Orlando Magic 103

By Ryan Doyle

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 23: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on December 23, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 23: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on December 23, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic headed into Washington already undermanned. After Nikola Vucevic suffered an injury, Orlando was doomed as they dropped their eighth straight contest.

The Orlando Magic fell to the Washington Wizards 130-103 as center Nikola Vucevic suffered a hand injury that will sideline him for 6-8 weeks.

Orlando never had a chance to get back into the ballgame after falling behind early. The Magic were without almost every starter and did not have the firepower to keep up with a tough Wizards team.

Orlando has had enough of the injury bug as Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross all missed Saturday night’s game. Losing Vuceivic appeared to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

With 6:52 left in the first quarter, Vucevic suffered an injury to his left hand as he tried to post up Markieff Morris. He immediately headed to the locker room and did not return, leaving the Magic without their top offensive weapon.

The lone bright spot for the Magic was Elfrid Payton. The only remaining starter dropped a career-high 30-points and was the lifeblood of the Magic offense. Even with a career night, Payton could not keep the game close as Orlando’s defense folded.

The Magic had no answer for Wizards as they shot well better than 50 percent from the floor. Including an other-worldly 16-of-30 from beyond the arc.

The Magic could not get to halftime soon enough. Orlando trailed by 24 points and would need a miracle to get back into this game.

Orlando managed their first lead in 191 minutes in the first period. Thanks to a strong start from Mario Hezonja and Jonathon Simmons, Orlando kept it close for at least a few minutes.

Their lead didn’t last long as the Wizards would head into the second quarter with a 37-29 lead. And the injury sucked out whatever energy the Magic had left.

Head coach Frank Vogel got a good look at his bench against Washington. He gave extended looks to Adreian Payne and Jamel Artis, who both played over 20 minutes. Payne made a few plays off the bench with seven points and led the team with five (yes, five) rebounds.

Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA. C. Although <a href=. F

C-. <a href=. G. Orlando Magic. JONATHON SIMMONS

ELFRID PAYTON. B. As the only healthy starter on the roster, <a href=. G. Orlando Magic

C+. Like Mario Hezonja, <a rel=. G/F. Orlando Magic. WESLEY IWUNDU

18-15. 7th East. WASHINGTON WIZARDS. B+. After getting beat down by the <a href=

Next: While Orlando loses, Lakeland keeps winning

The Orlando Magic are off for Christmas and could use the vacation. But they will go right back to work Tuesday in Miami against the Miami Heat.