Although Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero are back, the Magic are still without Jalen Suggs and Goga Bitadze, two keys to defensive success.
Simons and Ayton lead the way, with Simons dropping 24 on 6-12 three-point shooting, adding four boards, and three assists. Ayton posted a double-double putting up 22 points, and pulling down 15 rebounds. Avdija also added a double-double, scoring 16 with 10 rebounds.
MILWAUKEE – Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze has been placed in concussion protocol and is out for Wednesday night's matchup versus the Milwaukee Bucks.
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley provided key injury updates after Thursday morning shootaround before Orlando hosted Portland at Kia Center.
On the night that saw rising star forward Franz Wagner make his long-awaited return to the court, nothing came easy for the Magic against the visiting Trail Blazers. Although Portland entered 13th in the West and with only 15 wins on the season,
Howard (ankle) recorded 10 points (3-6 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT) and three rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench during Thursday's 101-79 loss to Portland. Howard reclaimed a spot in the rotation after missing Orlando's previous five contests due to a sprained left ankle,
After sitting out the previous 20 games, Franz Wagner bounces back with 20 points in a losing display for the Orlando Magic
The Magic were held to a season-low point total in a 101-79 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. Orlando shot 34.2 percent from the field and 24.0 percent from 3-point range. Magic forward Franz Wagner returned after missing 20 games due to a torn right abdominal muscle and had 20 points in 24 minutes against the Blazers.
Orlando will try to break its five-game skid when the Orlando Magic play Detroit. The teams meet Saturday for the first time this season.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner is officially available to return Thursday night vs. the Portland Trail Blazers, the team said. He's missed the previous 20 games due to a torn right oblique and its recovery process.