Magic receive encouraging status update ahead of Pistons matchup

Anthony Black has missed Orlando's last 16 games.

Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Orlando Magic will complete their final back-to-back on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons, who clinched the No. 1 seed in the East last week. And third-year guard Anthony Black, who's missed the Magic's last 16 games with an abdominal strain, was upgraded to probable, per the latest injury report, and could make his return, barring something unforeseen.

Conversely, Franz Wagner (injury management), isn't expected to suit up for the back-to-back. Read more about the Magic's injury report here!

Black suffered his injury on March 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves after just two minutes of play, logging just one rebound and one steal. His last full game came on March 5 against the Dallas Mavericks, so he's been sidelined for essentially the last month.

He's been the Magic's biggest breakout story and, frankly, one of their biggest bright spots in a season marred by injury and inconsistency. The former No. 6 overall pick is averaging 15.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals on 45.1 percent shooting, including 33.9 percent from deep and 73.0 percent from the free-throw line.

Morever, Black is having his best finishing season of his career, converting 67.3 percent of shots around the rim. And he's shooting 35.4 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s, a career-best mark (min. 100 3PA).

Magic are getting healthier at the right time:

Feb 9, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) looks to pass against Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (7) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

With just four games left in the regular season, there's not a lot of time for Black to ramp up, should he suit up against Detroit.

But on the plus side, the Magic are getting healthier at the right time. Let's just cross our fingers (and toes) that they remain healthy.

The last time that Anthony Black, Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero played in a game together ... was Dec. 5 against the Miami Heat. That was four months ago. That quintet has played just 13 games together this season (6-7 W-L).

Obviously, with Wagner's absence, that number won't increase against Detroit. But if there's any time to develop any sort of chemistry, it's now, the 11th hour.

Believe it or not, Orlando, who's currently the No. 9 seed at 42-36, can finish as high as the No. 5 seed. Though it can also finish 10th, currently possessed by the Miami Heat. After their game against the Pistons, they close the regular season with games against Minnesota (home), Chicago (road) and Boston (road), respectively.

It’s the final week of the NBA regular season – and there’s still so much at stake.

19 of the 20 postseason teams have yet to clinch their seed.

Check out all the seeding possibilities ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZIaNWGQYHP

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 6, 2026

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