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Summary:

Magic guard Jalen Suggs is returning from a seven-game absence due to a hip contusion and will start against the Pacers. His return is a significant boost for Orlando, who have a better record and point differential with him on the court. Jonathan Isaac and Jett Howard remain out for the Magic. For the Pacers, Ben Sheppard is returning from a calf strain after missing 11 games but will be on a minutes restriction, as will Aaron Nesmith as he recovers from a knee injury.

News Article:

Suggs Returns as Magic Face Pacers; Sheppard Back for Indiana

ORLANDO, FL – The Orlando Magic are set to receive a significant boost as guard Jalen Suggs returns to the starting lineup tonight against the Indiana Pacers after missing seven games with a left hip contusion. The team announced the news via Twitter on Wednesday.

Suggs’ return is welcome news for the Magic, who boast a 13-8 record with him in the lineup compared to a 5-7 record in his absence. The fifth-year guard has been a key contributor on both ends of the court, averaging 15.4 points, 4.8 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game this season, displaying impressive efficiency in his 25.6 minutes per game. Orlando’s performance with Suggs on the court shows a noticeable improvement, outscoring opponents by 9.6 points per 100 possessions compared to being outscored by 2.6 points per 100 possessions when he is off the court.

However, the Magic will still be without Jonathan Isaac (sore left knee) and Jett Howard (illness).

Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers are also welcoming back a member of their backcourt. Ben Sheppard will be available for tonight’s contest after missing 11 games with a left calf strain. Sheppard had been averaging 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 25 minutes per game before the injury.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle stated that Sheppard, like Aaron Nesmith, will likely be on a minutes restriction as he works his way back to full strength. Nesmith played 19 and 24 minutes in his first two games back from a knee injury. Carlisle said the plan is to “gradually progress” Nesmith’s workload.

The Magic and Pacers face off tonight in what promises to be an interesting matchup with both teams welcoming key players back from injury.

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