Anthony

Black

Black was one of several Magic players to have success on both ends of the floor on Thursday. He finished as the team’s second-leading scorer, led all Orlando players in steals, and concluded with at least 20 points for the third time over his last four appearances. The third-year guard has reached another level of production this season. Still just 22 years of age, there’s potential for Black to make significant leaps over time to become a highly valued player in fantasy leagues.

Shams notes that “recent tests showed that he requires additional time and rehabilitation for soreness in his left high ankle sprain. The Magic will evaluate Wagner’s progress in three weeks.” With the NBA and fantasy basketball seasons drawing to a close, a three-week timeline for re-evaluation puts serious doubt on Wagner’s availability after he is cleared and begins ramping back up. This is a massive blow for Orlando and Wagner’s fantasy managers. Anthony Black should continue to soak up minutes, and he should be rostered everywhere. Black has made the most of his new opportunities and is enjoying a breakout campaign.

With Franz Wagner under a minutes limit in his first game back, Black remained in the starting lineup on Monday. And, as has been the case throughout the season, the third-year guard was a star. Black led the Magic with 26 points and recorded a complete stat line. Over the past two weeks, he has offered second-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats according to Basketball Monster. Even with the possibility of a return to the bench hovering over Black, he’s worth rostering in category leagues.

A late addition to the injury report, Carter is good to go for Monday’s game. Despite Franz Wagner returning from an ankle injury, Anthony Black will remain in the Magic starting lineup.

Wagner last played on January 18, but he’ll make his return after three weeks on the sideline. He may face a minutes restriction in his first game back, but Wagner’s return will likely mean less playing time for Anthony Black.

On Thursday, Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said that Wagner was “very close” to returning. Monday could be that day, as he’s listed as questionable on the injury report. The only question is whether he’ll start immediately, likely bumping Anthony Black to the bench, or come off the bench upon being cleared to play. Managers who have rostered Black should not drop him if he’s moved to the bench.

Black struggled from behind the three-point line, going 1-of-7 from behind the arc, but was 7-of-13 otherwise and finished with 21 points in Saturday’s win over the Jazz. While the 22-year-old shooting guard could be headed back to the bench soon with Franz Wagner (ankle) close to returning, he’s delivered for fantasy managers lately. Black has provided second-round per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster.

Wagner has appeared in only two games since suffering a high left ankle sprain during a December 7 game against the Knicks. Getting him back will give Orlando a much-needed boost on the playmaking front. With Wagner already out for Thursday’s game against the Nets, the next opportunity for him to play would be on Saturday against the Jazz. While Anthony Black may be the player who heads to the bench, he’s worth holding onto in 12-team leagues.

This will be a sixth straight absence for Wagner, and there isn’t much of a timeline for when he’ll return to the lineup, other than to assess things game-by-game. Anthony Black will continue to start in his place.

This is the second time the game has been moved back due to the Spurs’ issues getting out of Charlotte following Saturday’s loss to the Hornets. Initially scheduled to begin at 3 PM Eastern, the start time was pushed back to 7 PM, and now to 9 PM.