Victor Oladipo Injury: Updates on Magic Guard's Back and Return

Orlando Magic shooting guard Victor Oladipo suffered a back injury and has been out since March 4. However, he has been cleared to return to the lineup.

Continue for updates.

---

Latest on Oladipo's Playing Status

Saturday, March 5

The Magic announced Oladipo will play against the Golden State Warriors on Monday after participating in practice Saturday.

---

Oladipo Critical to Magic's Success

Oladipo, 23, has found himself filling a role that has varied at multiple points. He's seen a marked decrease in scoring amid those changes but has found himself carrying more of a lead ball-handler role.

The Magic have arguably been far better in games where Oladipo has played the sixth-man role, as it's allowed the floor spacing to be less cramped. Oladipo and point guard Elfrid Payton are both most effective with the ball in their hands, but neither is a strong enough shooter to make defenses stick with them. When Oladipo and Payton share the floor, teams can sag off the one who doesn't have the ball.

"It's just good overall having him back," head coach Scott Skiles said, per Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel. "His energy and defense and rebounding, all the stuff he does. His speed. Sometimes when he's not on the floor, we don't look very athletic. So we need him out there."

Oladipo previously missed time this season with a sprained knee and a concussion.