Magic's Jalen Suggs Avoids Serious Knee Injury vs. Mavericks

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 3: Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during a preseason game on October 3, 2022 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs suffered a left knee injury during Friday's preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks. He was helped off the court and to the locker room, but the team announced Saturday morning that Suggs avoided a serious injury.

Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
INJURY UPDATE: After undergoing an MRI on Friday night in Dallas, results revealed that guard Jalen Suggs sustained a left knee capsule sprain and bone bruise. Suggs’ return to play will depend on how he responds to treatment. <a href="https://t.co/ntaRQiJbsB">pic.twitter.com/ntaRQiJbsB</a>

Suggs suffered the injury with a shade over four minutes remaining in the first quarter. He was on the court for just two minutes before exiting and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Jalen Suggs was helped back to the locker room with an apparent leg injury Hope he's ok 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/Fnn5p5ni6p">pic.twitter.com/Fnn5p5ni6p</a>

It's a tough break for Suggs, who has been hampered by injuries since being selected by the Magic fifth overall in the 2021 NBA draft out of Gonzaga.

During his 2021-22 rookie season, Suggs fractured his right thumb in late November. He missed 20 games while recovering from the injury and also missed time with an ankle ailment, which he suffered in March.

In addition, the 21-year-old underwent surgery on a stress fracture in his right ankle during the offseason. However, he was ready for the start of training camp entering this season.

Suggs appeared in 48 games for the Magic as a rookie, making 45 starts. He struggled in those games, though, averaging 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 36.1 percent from the floor and 21.4 percent from deep.

✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content

The Magic finished the 2021-22 season with a 22-60 record, the worst record in the Eastern Conference.

Suggs is expected to play a significant role for the Magic this season in a starting lineup that also includes Markelle Fultz, Franz Wagner, rookie Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. If he misses time, Gary Harris and Terrence Ross could be in for some more minutes.

The Magic open the regular season Oct. 19 against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.