Jonathan Isaac set to return Wednesday, Terrence Ross weeks away
Jonathan Isaac is set to return to the lineup Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors. And Terrence Ross is getting closer to a return for the Orlando Magic.
The Orlando Magic have not been the same team since November 11. That is when the Magic were 8-4 and near the top of the Eastern Conference. No one expected Orlando to keep their seeding at the top of the East, but the Playoffs were something everyone could talk about openly.
Then Jonathan Isaac sprained his ankle, rolling it hard going up for a rebound against the Denver Nuggets. A few weeks later, Terrence Ross went down with a knee injury that has kept him out since November 23.
The Magic have not been anywhere near the same. Neither Isaac nor Ross scored a ton of points — 14.3 points per game combined this year — but they were instrumental to the team’s defense. It is no coincidence the Magic’s defense, already middling, completely collapsed.
It is looking like Orlando is getting closer to seeing them return.
Isaac returned to the G-League this weekend and rejoined the Magic in Oklahoma City. He obviously did not play Monday. But he is set to make his return to a NBA court for the first time since Dec. 26.
Coach Frank Vogel confirmed to the media in Oklahoma City, including Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, that barring a setback, Isaac would return against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
Vogel said he watched Isaac’s two G-League games and saw a lot of offensive rust, which was to be expected. Isaac’s scoring and shooting numbers were not terribly impressive. But his defense was seemingly back to where it was before the injury.
Or at least it could get there very quickly.
Isaac’s return could be coming at an important time. Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports Aaron Gordon is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Raptors. There could suddenly be a huge hole to fill at power forward the Magic need to fill.
The Magic injury news also got another shot in the arm with reports Ross was getting closer to a return.
His return could still be a bit further away. He suffered a setback in his recovery after he started playing 3 on 3 again, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reported. The Magic are slowing things down as a precaution. He is still a few weeks away, according to the report.
When Vogel was asked about Ross’ progress after Saturday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers that he would still need a few practices before they could talk about when he would return. He characterized Ross as “weeks” away.
He certainly could with his calming presence and tight defensive rotations. Not to mention the respect he still garners as a 3-point shooter.
Indeed, Ross’ absence has probably been one of the more underrated storylines this season.
What seems clear at this point is the Magic intend to play Ross at some point this season. He will return sometime this year.
The Magic are slowly getting whole. That is something Orlando has looked forward to for some time. It will at least give the Magic a chance to play and watch their promising young player out on the court again.
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That is all they want in these final 20-plus games. At least the Magic will finally get some healthy bodies back.