Chuma

Okeke

Wagner has missed Orlando’s last seven games with a sprained ankle, and this is the first time he’s been listed as questionable instead of immediately being ruled out. Should he be cleared to play, Chuma Okeke would be the odd man out of the starting lineup. While Okeke’s had his moments as a starter, he hasn’t been consistent enough to merit being streamed.

This will a seventh straight absence for Wagner, which means that Chuma Okeke should remain in the starting unit. He posted a 6/7/1/3/1 line in 30 minutes against the Hawks on Wednesday and should be a solid streaming option in deeper leagues.

It was initially reported that Anthony Black would replace Okeke in the starting lineup, but the Magic have decided to stick with their same five. Bitadze continues to start despite Wendell Carter Jr. being active, which is good news for managers who have Goga rostered.

Wendell Carter Jr. is back, and the team is mostly healthy except for Franz Wagner. The starting five is the same as it was last game, except for Black, who will replace Chuma Okeke and send Okeke back to the bench. Black is a better real-life than fantasy option, so he’s not a recommended streamer.

After scoring nine points on 3-of-18 shooting in his first three starts of the season, Okeke bounced back in a big way on Friday. He recorded season-highs in points (16) and 3-pointers (four), surpassing double figures in points for the second time (11 vs. Sacramento on January 3). One game doesn’t change anything regarding his fantasy value; despite being a starter with Franz Wagner (ankle) sidelined, Okeke should be left on waiver wires until he proves he can be consistently productive. The same can be said for Caleb Houstan, who finished Friday’s defeat with nine points (3-of-9 FGs), two rebounds, three assists, and three 3-pointers in 32 minutes.

Injured during Orlando’s January 3 loss to Sacramento, Wagner will miss a third straight game on Tuesday. Chuma Okeke should continue to fill the void in the starting lineup, but he has not offered much production as Wagner’s replacement. Caleb Houstan would be a better option for fantasy managers.

Injuries have forced the Magic to make multiple changes to their starting lineup. Joining holdovers Suggs and Banchero are Black, Okeke, and Wagner. Of the three replacements, Wagner offers the highest fantasy upside, even though he’ll be defending Nikola Jokic.

Houstan was the lone Magic starter to play more than 16 minutes in Sunday’s season finale, and he took advantage of the opportunity. The rookie wing hit the 20-point mark (and surpassed it) for the first time as a pro, with the 21 being nine higher than his previous season-high. The five 3-pointers were also a season-high for Houstan, who didn’t offer much fantasy value this season. His contract for next season is guaranteed, but Houstan’s play in Summer League (if Orlando has him play) will be critical with regard to establishing himself as a rotation player. Kevon Harris (22/8/2 with four 3-pointers) and Chuma Okeke (14/4/5/3 with four 3-pointers) reached double figures off the bench, with the latter facing an important offseason himself.

Orlando ruled out all five of their regular starters less than an hour ago. These five should all play large roles, with guys like Cole Anthony and Goga Bitadze also playing big minutes off the bench.

Okeke was back on the court for the first time since November 21, as he missed more than two months after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He didn’t offer much production while on the court, and the absence of Jonathan Isaac (injury management) made it easier to get Okeke into the rotation. He won’t be a player worth seeking out on waiver wires once the Magic resume play after the All-Star break.