Orlando Magic PG Anthony Black: Minutes Coming for Rookie?

Orlando Magic rookie Anthony Black did not play Saturday against the Sacramento Kings, but an opportunity to play could be on the horizon.

ORLANDO - Orlando Magic rookie Anthony Black has been in and out of the lineup in his first NBA season.

The No. 6 overall pick wasn't in the rotation to begin his career, but when players have been injured, Black has stepped up and played a key role. When Markelle Fultz went down with a knee injury in early November, Black took the reins as a starter in the backcourt next to Jalen Suggs.

Mar 5, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) reacts after

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But once Fultz returned for good, Black retreated back to a smaller role. The rookie from Arkansas hasn't played 12 minutes in a game since March 8. When Gary Harris was out for Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings, some expected Black to replace him in the starting lineup. However, that role instead went to Caleb Houstan.

Houstan was injured in the second quarter of Saturday's loss, but Black didn't make an appearance in the second half. However, things may change with both players injured and a hectic schedule for the Magic coming up.

"AB's been great and he's been great all year, not knowing you know, at certain times when he's going to be in the rotation or out of the rotation, stepping in and being ready," coach Jamahl Mosley said. "And it's a credit to him and how he has worked and it's credit to the coaches, how they continue to work with him. And as the game goes on, we're just going to continue to see how that flows, and what the matchups look like, what lineups look like. We have three [games] in four nights coming up. So there will be many opportunities for guys that have not been in rotation."

Black and the Magic face off against the Golden State Warriors tonight. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.