Image Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Jalen Suggs to be sidelined indefinitely with knee surgery as Orlando Magic’s struggling run continues

Suggs is averaging 16.2 points, 4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in 2024-25.

Image Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs is set to undergo a knee surgery that will keep him out for an indefinite period of time. He sustained the injury on January 25 during the clash against the Pistons, where he played for just 16 minutes. While his injury was initially diagnosed as a quadriceps bruise, later a workout led to swelling in knee and discomfort.

He underwent an MRI which uncovered his trochlea injury. The management went on to explore the options that Suggs can undertake for his recovery. However, as per the latest update from ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania, the 23-year-old will undergo an arthroscopic surgery that will keep him out indefinitely.

Charania tweeted, “Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs will undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove a cartilage fragment in his left knee and is out indefinitely, sources tell ESPN. His return will be based on rehab and he is expected to make a full recovery.”

While the management has expressed confidence in Suggs making speedy recovery, it is unlikely that he will return to the court before the Magic end their regular season on April 13 by playing against the Hawks.

Talking about his performance, Suggs has played a total of 35 games this season. He averages 16.2 points, 4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in 2024-25.

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“My goal is to come back and play and help”- Jalen Suggs remains hopeful of his return

The youngster remains optimistic about his return to the court before the conclusion of the regular season. In one of his recent addresses to the media, he said, “My goal is to come back and play and help and impact as we get to the postseason and get into the playoffs. So, that’s my goal. That’s what I’m shooting for.”

He added, “I’m going to do all the work I can to reach that mark—not only for myself but for everyone here—for the team, the coaches, and the fans.”

“Before this season becomes just a memory, I want us to leave our imprint on the 2024-25 season, and I genuinely believe we can make a significant impact,” Suggs continued.

The Orlando Magic have deeply felt the absence of Suggs, their third-leading scorer. Known as one of the best perimeter guards, Suggs’ absence has had a major impact on the Magic’s defensive capabilities. In the 14 games he has missed, Orlando have struggled and managed only a 5-9 record.

The Magic have faced numerous injury struggles during his season. While they started the year on a powerful note, their momentum had a shift after they missed several players due to an array of injuries.

After missing Paolo Banchero for 34 games, Franz Wagner was sidelined for 20 games. Moe Wagner sustained a season-ending ACL tear in December. Currently seated in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference, the Magic are maintaining a 29-33 tally. They have lost six of their last ten games.

In their next game, the Magic will be up against the Raptors on Tuesday, March 4.

Jalen Suggs

orlando Magic

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.