Orlando Magic's Wendell Carter Jr., Markelle Fultz Staying Involved Despite Injuries
ORLANDO - Injuries haven't kept Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. and point guard Markelle Fultz from being around the team.
Carter Jr. is recovering from a fractured left hand, while Fultz will miss his 10th straight game on Wednesday with left knee tendonitis. While Carter Jr. and Fultz haven't been able to step on the court, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley noted they've stayed around and remained involved to the extent they can be while recovering from their respective injuries.
"They're communicating. They're in with the guys with everything that we're doing. When it comes to huddles, when it comes to meals, when it comes to being on the court, when we're doing things, they're there," Mosley said. "So they have not skipped a beat in that sense that they're there line that their voices. Their communication has been great with this group, even though they're not necessarily playing."
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr.
Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
Carter Jr. credited Mosley for keeping him involved even though he hasn't been able to play since he suffered the hand injury on Nov. 2 in the Magic's 115-113 win over the Utah Jazz.
"Coach has always been just a great person toward me [and] toward the whole team," Carter Jr. said. "He keeps me engaged in different ways, even though I'm not out there playing."
Carter Jr. was averaging 9.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game before his injury, while Fultz averaged 11.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and four assists per game. Fultz has been out since Nov. 9 after the Magic's 120-119 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Mexico.
The Magic (12-5) have caught fire in Carter Jr. and Fultz's absence, as they're on a seven-game winning streak that includes wins over the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics. If Carter Jr. and Fultz can come back at full strength, an already strong Magic team could be even better upon their returns.
Orlando is back in action on Friday at the Amway Center when it hosts the Washington Wizards (3-15) at 7 p.m. ET.
