<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-fires-back-lip-reading-wendell-carter-moment');   ga('set', 'title', 'Magic’s Paolo Banchero fires back at lip-reading Wendell Carter moment');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Magic-news-Paolo-Banchero-fires-back-at-lip-reading-Wendell-Carter-moment.jpg"></figure><h1>Magic’s Paolo Banchero fires back at lip-reading Wendell Carter moment</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-03-12T11:57:04-07:00">March 12th, 11:57am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-03-12T11:57:04-07:00">March 12th, 11:57am</time><address><a href="https://alexasabatte.wordpress.com">Alexa Sabatte</a>Alexa Sabatte is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints and a passionate sports writer dedicated to storytelling in the ever-evolving world of sports media. A graduate of NYU's American Journalism MA program, she has honed her skills at outlets like LAFB, ABC7 Los Angeles, and TMZ Sports, where her SEO expertise and interviews propelled stories to trend nationally.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero is firing back after a video posted by Brickscenter on X <a href="https://x.com/BricksCenter/status/1899493682006675486" rel="noopener">sparked controversy</a>. The video showed Banchero staring down Wendell Carter Jr. following an airballed three-pointer. The caption claimed Banchero mouthed, “W** they paying you for?” after the play.</p><p>The post quickly gained attention, sparking debates about the on-court dynamic between the two teammates. But Banchero didn’t let the claims slide. <a href="https://x.com/pp_doesit/status/1899885462799474752?s=46" rel="noopener">He responded directly on X</a>, calling out the video’s accuracy.</p><p>“I’m rocking with Dell, y’all went and pulled 2 clips from different points in the game smh,” Banchero wrote. “That’s not what was said either,” Banchero said.</p><p>Banchero’s response aimed to clear up the misunderstanding and defend his teammate. It’s clear from his reaction that the video didn’t capture the full context of the situation. The two have had a strong working relationship on the court, and Banchero wasn’t having the misinterpretation of their interactions.</p><p>While moments like these can spark tension or controversy, Banchero’s quick reply shows his commitment to setting the record straight. He made it clear that there was no ill will between him and Carter, despite what the video might have suggested. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-wendell-carter-jr-return-to-starting-lineup-boosts-orlando-in-win-vs-hawks">The two have been a core part of the Magic’s</a> young foundation, and their chemistry on the court has been key to the team’s development.</p><p>The back-and-forth between teammates is a normal part of the game. However, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-fans-go-off-wendell-carter-jr-move-loss-bulls">it’s essential to remember the context</a> and not jump to conclusions based on a couple of moments caught on camera. Misunderstandings happen, and the team will continue to grow and push forward.</p><p>As for Banchero, his words reflect his loyalty to Carter and his willingness to stand up for his team. Instead of letting a viral clip dictate the narrative, Banchero took the opportunity to share his side and move forward with confidence. It’s clear the Magic are focused on building team chemistry and ignoring distractions such as this.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Magic’s Paolo Banchero fires back at lip-reading Wendell Carter moment

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-wendell-carter-jr-return-to-starting-lineup-boosts-orlando-in-win-vs-hawks');   ga('set', 'title', 'Wendell Carter Jr.’s return to starting lineup boosts Magic in win vs. Hawks');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Magic-news-bWendell-Carter-Jr-return-to-starting-lineup-boosts-Orlando-in-win-vs-Hawks.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Wendell Carter Jr.’s return to starting lineup boosts Magic in win vs. Hawks</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-02-21T13:23:45-08:00">February 21st, 1:23pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-02-21T13:45:44-08:00">February 21st, 1:45pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Atlanta Hawks</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-18-point-quarter-sparks-orlando-comeback-vs-hawks">Orlando Magic opened the second half of their season with a 114-108 victory over the Atlanta Hawks</a> on Thursday night, improving to 28-29. Head coach Jamahl Mosley reinserted Wendell Carter Jr. into the starting lineup for the first time since the team’s win over the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 25, and the move paid dividends.</p><p>Carter Jr. contributed nine points, 15 rebounds, and one block while shooting 4-of-8 from the field. His presence in the paint provided stability on both ends of the floor, helping the Magic overcome an early deficit and maintain control in the second half.</p><p>Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists while going 11-for-16 from the free-throw line. His <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-joins-shaquille-neal-tracy-mcgrady-epic-franchise-club">18-point outburst in the second quarter propelled the Magic</a> from a 19-point deficit to a 59-58 halftime lead.</p><p>Banchero credited Carter Jr.’s presence in the starting lineup for adding a much-needed boost to the team.</p><p>“He was great – just being a force down there, finishing around the rim, rebounding, contested shots at the rim, he changed a lot of shots down there,” Banchero said. “I mean he was huge, played tough, obviously he’s back home. I think it’s just a boost of energy for us having him back in the starting lineup – stuff feels like it fits so I’m just happy about that.”</p><h2><b>Jamahl Mosley reinserts Wendell Carter Jr. into Magic Starting 5</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wendell-Carter-Jr.-34-shoots-against-the-Atlanta-Hawks.jpg"><figcaption>© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The decision to start Carter Jr. was part of Mosley’s effort to restore balance to the lineup while also creating more energy off the bench.</p><p>“Well, you know, we talked a little bit about it. Just getting our group back whole… And when we started the year, that was the starting lineup,” Mosley said. “Trying to find our way back into that moment and then also trying to find some energy off the bench with Goga [Bitadze] coming in, firing a little bit with defensive rebounds and play-making.</p><p>“All of those things, you’re trying to find different aspects of it. So, that’s part of the decision. But again, [Wendell] is going to do whatever’s asked of him because he’s a true professional and he’s a guy that cares about this team.”</p><p>Franz Wagner added 25 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Cole Anthony contributed 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block on 7-of-13 shooting.</p><p>The Magic will now return home for the second night of a back-to-back to face the Memphis Grizzlies (36-19) on Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Grizzlies are coming off a 127-114 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.</p><p>The last time Orlando and Memphis faced off, the Grizzlies secured a 124-111 victory, with Franz Wagner scoring 23 points while Paolo Banchero struggled offensively, shooting 4-of-12 from the field and finishing with 16 points.</p><p>Orlando will look to build on its momentum as Carter Jr.’s return to the starting lineup continues to solidify the team’s interior presence.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Wendell Carter Jr.’s return to starting lineup boosts Magic in win vs. Hawks

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/magic-news-franz-wagner-jamahl-mosely-highlight-wendell-carter-jr-goga-bitadze-impact');   ga('set', 'title', 'Franz Wagner, Jamahl Mosely highlight Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze frontcourt impact');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Magic-news-Franz-Wagner-Jamahl-Mosely-highlight-Wendell-Carter-Jr.-Goga-Bitadze-frontcourt-impact.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Franz Wagner, Jamahl Mosely highlight Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze frontcourt impact</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-30T12:20:15-08:00">November 30th, 12:20pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-30T12:20:15-08:00">November 30th, 12:20pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Brooklyn Nets</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-orlando-dominate-nets-season-best-3-point-shooting-nba-cup">Orlando Magic continued their impressive NBA Cup run</a> with a commanding 123-100 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. The victory, their fifth straight, improved their record to 14-7 overall and 3-0 in East Group A play. Central to the Magic’s success was the impactful play of their evolving frontcourt, featuring Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze.</p><p>Franz Wagner, who led Orlando with 29 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and a block, spoke highly of the duo postgame, emphasizing their importance to the team’s recent success. Wagner acknowledged the adjustments required for the frontcourt pairing, particularly for Carter Jr., who recently returned to action after a 12-game absence.</p><p>“I’m sure it’s an adjustment for them too as well,” Wagner <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">said</a>. “I thought they’re doing a great job, obviously requires a little bit of communication, guys playing out of their position, especially Wendell. I feel like Wendell is doing a great job of just finding his way back into things and it’s not easy playing at a spot that you’re not normally in.”</p><p>Wagner further elaborated on Carter Jr.’s value, praising his leadership on and off the court.</p><p>“I think just having someone out there we’ve been playing together for a long time. It’s also someone who can speak up when stuff isn’t going the right way and it’s just great to have him back out there,” Wagner said.</p><h2><b>Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze anchor dominant defensive effort</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Goga-Bitadze-35-reacts-in-front-of-Brooklyn-Nets-guard-Ben-Simmons-10.jpg"><figcaption>© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-wendell-carter-jr-return-from-injury-vs-bulls-but-theres-a-catch">Carter Jr., reinserted into the rotation</a> during Wednesday’s win over the Chicago Bulls, has seamlessly transitioned into his role alongside Bitadze in the starting unit. Rather than displacing Bitadze, who filled in during Carter Jr.’s absence, head coach Jamahl Mosley opted to pair the two big men. Against the Nets, the frontcourt delivered solid contributions: Carter Jr. tallied 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a block, while Bitadze added eight points, six rebounds, three assists, and a career-high five blocks.</p><p>The defensive presence of the two big men was particularly notable. Magic veteran swingman Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who contributed 19 points on seven-of-eight shooting, highlighted the impact of their interior defense.</p><p>“It’s kinda hard to score on that when you got me, Suggs, Franz guarding the wings and then if you get past us you got the two big guys down there, shot blockers to change a lot of shots for us,” Caldwell-Pope said. “Also, cleaning the glass and they’re getting rebounds for us. That’s where we get out and push in transition, which we are starting to get better at.”</p><h2><b>Jamahl Mosley credits frontcourt chemistry in Magic’s NBA Cup win over Nets</b></h2><p>Mosley <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">praised</a> the chemistry and communication between Carter Jr. and Bitadze, noting their influence on both ends of the floor.</p><p>“I probably pushed him a little bit too long, but I think [Carter Jr.] handled it well, and obviously we’ll just continue to keep working and see where he is,” Mosley said. “But it’s about the rhythm, it’s about the chemistry, it’s about those guys working together. You can just see their lines of communication out there on the floor. Even when we turned it over one or two times, they’re trying to make the right play for one another.”</p><p>The Magic’s defense, anchored by their frontcourt, forced 20 turnovers and limited the Nets’ offensive opportunities. Their ability to protect the rim and control the boards has become a cornerstone of their identity, fueling both their transition game and half-court efficiency.</p><p>Now boasting the league’s largest point differential at +60, the Magic will look to extend their winning streak as they face the Brooklyn Nets (9-11) again on Sunday. Their final NBA Cup group-stage matchup against the New York Knicks (11-8) on Tuesday will determine their path forward in the tournament.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Franz Wagner, Jamahl Mosely highlight Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze frontcourt impact

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/magic-news-wendell-carter-jr-return-from-injury-vs-bulls-but-theres-a-catch');   ga('set', 'title', 'Wendell Carter Jr. to return from injury vs. Bulls, but there’s a catch');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Wendell-Carter-Jr.-to-return-from-injury-vs.-Bulls-but-theres-a-catch.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Wendell Carter Jr. to return from injury vs. Bulls, but there’s a catch</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-27T10:48:35-08:00">November 27th, 10:48am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-27T10:48:35-08:00">November 27th, 10:48am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Bulls</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Orlando Magic (12-7) will welcome center Wendell Carter Jr. back to the court Wednesday night against the Chicago Bulls (8-11) as the team seeks to extend its three-game winning streak. Carter Jr., who has been sidelined for 12 games due to left foot plantar fasciitis, will play under a minutes restriction as he eases back into action.</p><p>The 25-year-old sustained the injury during the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-is-wendell-carter-jr-playing-vs-pistons-latest-injury-update">Magic’s November 3 loss to the Dallas Mavericks</a>. Head coach Jamahl Mosley confirmed Carter Jr.’s status in <a href="https://x.com/therealbeede/status/1861813243783545112" rel="noopener">comments captured</a> by the Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede, noting the cautious approach the team will take.</p><p>“Well, he’s definitely going to be on a minutes [restriction] after sitting out that long. You’re going to have a timeframe of 14-16 minutes just to see where he is. Sometimes those guys, coming back from [injury] the conditioning side is a big piece. But we want to make sure we slowly walk it back in vs. just ramping up right away,” Mosley said.</p><p>Before his injury, Carter Jr. had been a steady presence in the Magic lineup, averaging 8.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 44.7% from the field over 26.3 minutes per game.</p><h2><b>Wendell Carter Jr.’s return bolsters Magic ahead of Bulls matchup</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Wendell-Carter-Jr.-34-reacts-to-a-call-in-the-second-half.jpg"><figcaption>© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>In his absence, Goga Bitadze has stepped into the starting center role, contributing to Orlando’s recent success. During the 12-game stretch without Carter Jr., Bitadze has averaged 9.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game. Bitadze is expected to remain the starter against Chicago as Carter Jr. works his way back into the rotation.</p><p>The Magic’s backcourt depth will take a hit as guard Gary Harris has been ruled out with a left hamstring strain. Harris has averaged 4.1 points per game this season, shooting 37.1% from beyond the arc in a reduced role, logging just 16.6 minutes per game.</p><p>Wednesday’s game marks the second meeting of the season between the Magic and Bulls. Orlando fell 102-99 in their first matchup on October 30 at Chicago’s United Center. That game also marked the last appearance for forward <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-paolo-banchero-biggest-christmas-wish-amid-injury-concerns">Paolo Banchero, who has since been sidelined with a torn right oblique</a>.</p><p>Despite injury setbacks, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-franz-wagner-reality-check-after-massive-performance-win-vs-pistons">Magic have leaned on strong performances from Franz Wagner</a>, who has emerged as a potential All-Star and All-NBA candidate this season. With Wagner leading the charge, Orlando will look to maintain its momentum and avenge the earlier loss to Chicago in front of a home crowd.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Wendell Carter Jr. to return from injury vs. Bulls, but there’s a catch

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/magic-news-is-wendell-carter-jr-playing-vs-pistons-latest-injury-update');   ga('set', 'title', 'Is Wendell Carter Jr. playing vs. Pistons? Latest injury update');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Magic-news-Is-Wendell-Carter-Jr.-playing-vs.-Pistons-Latest-injury-update.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Is Wendell Carter Jr. playing vs. Pistons? Latest injury update</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-23T14:02:17-08:00">November 23rd, 2:02pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-23T14:06:18-08:00">November 23rd, 2:06pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Pistons</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. <a href="https://official.nba.com/nba-injury-report-2024-25-season/" rel="noopener">remains questionable</a> for the team’s upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. This marks the third consecutive game where Carter Jr. has been listed as questionable. He participated in practice earlier this week on Tuesday but was ruled out for back-to-back games, including the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-franz-wagner-special-game-vs-lakers-leads-to-historic-lebron-james-company%5D">Magic’s recent win over the Los Angeles Lakers</a> and their previous matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers.</p><p>The 25-year-old center has been sidelined for the Magic’s last 10 games due to left foot plantar fasciitis, an injury sustained during the second quarter of their November 3 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Prior to his injury, Carter Jr. appeared in six games this season, averaging 8.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 44.7% from the field in 26.3 minutes of action.</p><p><i><b>*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/nba/?irad=356361&amp;irmp=492408" rel="noopener sponsored">(free trial)</a>*</b></i></p><h2><b>Wendell Carter Jr.’s injury status vs. Pistons</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Wendell-Carter-Jr.-34-dunks-the-ball-against-the-Philadelphia-76ers.jpg"><figcaption>© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Carter Jr.’s return would bolster the Magic’s frontcourt, especially as they continue to cope with the absence of star forward <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-paolo-banchero-biggest-christmas-wish-amid-injury-concerns">Paolo Banchero, who remains sidelined with a torn right oblique</a>. Despite these setbacks, the Magic have shown resilience, posting a 7-3 record during Carter Jr.’s absence and improving to 10-7 overall. This strong stretch includes a six-game winning streak, with Goga Bitadze stepping into the starting lineup.</p><p>Bitadze has played a pivotal role in maintaining the Magic’s competitiveness. The other 25-year-old big man has averaged 9.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, two assists, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 70.5% from the field in Carter Jr.’s absence. His defensive presence and ability to finish around the rim have been instrumental in the Magic’s success.</p><p>The Magic’s coaching staff has expressed optimism about Carter Jr.’s progress but has <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-wendell-carter-jr-progressing-slowly-no-clear-timetable-injury-return">refrained from committing to a definitive timeline</a> for his return. His availability for Saturday’s game will likely hinge on his response to pre-game warm-ups and further evaluations.</p><h2><b>Magic eye continued momentum</b></h2><p>As the Magic prepare to host the Pistons (7-10), they aim to extend their strong start to the 2024-25 season and solidify their position in the Eastern Conference standings. However, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/pistons-news-cade-cunningham-ruled-out-magic-clash">Pistons will be without their leading scorer and playmaker Cade Cunningham</a>, who is out with a left hip injury sustained during Detroit’s loss to the Charlotte Hornets earlier this week. Cunningham’s absence leaves the Pistons relying on guards Jaden Ivey and Wendell Moore Jr. to fill the void in their backcourt.</p><p>The potential return of Carter Jr. would provide the Magic with much-needed depth in the paint, helping to alleviate the workload on Bitadze and enhance their rebounding and defensive schemes. With Carter Jr. nearing a comeback, Orlando is poised to strengthen its interior presence as it seeks to build on its recent success.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2024-25 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
8.8	7.4	2.2	0.5	0.8

2024-25 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
8.8	7.4	2.2	0.5	0.8

Wendell Carter

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Wendell Carter Jr. to return from injury vs. Bulls, but there’s a catch

Is Wendell Carter Jr. playing vs. Pistons? Latest injury update

Wendell
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