Locked into postseason spot, Magic without key starters against Pacers

With the No.

7 seed in the East clinched and homecourt advantage in the NBA Play-In Tournament secured, the Magics injury report looked larger than it has in months entering Fridays game at Indiana.Orlando ruled out regulars Paolo Banchero (right ankle soreness), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (left knee strain), Wendell CarCory Joseph, left, battling Lakers forward Jordan Goodwin for a losse ball, was the only starter in the lineup for the Magic on Friday night.

(Stephen M.

Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)ter Jr.

(right hip contusion) and Franz Wagner (right knee soreness) against the Pacers, who were playing on the second night of a back-to-back at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.The lone starter available? The oldest player on the team Cory Joseph.The veteran guard was listed as questionable Thursday because of left knee soreness but was made available against his former team after the Magic went through morning shootaround.We want to stay in rhythm, stay healthy and be fresh going into the Play-In and whatnot, Joseph said in the locker room after Orlando defeated the Celtics at Kia Center on Wednesday.

Theres a multitude of things that weve got to worry about within these last two games and Im sure the staff will put together a plan for us to execute.That plan included offering the bench including rookie Tristan da Silva, second-year pros Anthony Black and Jett Howard, sharpshooter Caleb Houstan and big man Goga Bitadze a chance to play starters minutes.Thats not to mention two-way guard Trevelin Queen, who has only appeared in 30 of his available 50 NBA games.

Two-way players arent eligible for the postseason.Orlandos other two-way players guards Mac McClung and Ethan Thompson arent with the team.

Instead, the duo were across the country getting ready for Game 2 of the G League Finals against Stockton, Calif., late Friday night.Another member of the Magic who could benefit financially speaking, that is is forward Jonathan Isaac.

If he plays in either of the two final regular season games, hell earn a $2.6 million bonus for making 70 appearances.Its a quirk in his contract after he missed 2 1/2 years because of knee injuries and its a sign of how far Isaac has come since his return.Regardless of who plays in the final two games, the goal remains the same before the Magic host the No.

8 seed in the Play-In game at home Tuesday.Were just trying to continue to stay sharp, continue to get healthy and stay ready, guard Gary Harris said Friday morning.

Weve got two games left before the postseason and then the second season starts.

Were looking forward to getting ready to play meaningful basketball and making sure we do the right things to get ready for this Play-In game.Jason Beede can be reached at [email protected] next ...Magic at HawksWhen: 1, Sunday, State Farm ArenaTV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida.

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