Cole

Anthony

On a night when starting guards Cory Joseph (5/5/2 with one three-pointer) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (nine points, two assists, one block and one three-pointer) combined to shoot 4-of-14 from the field, the Magic received vital contributions from both “Anthonys.” Cole shot well over 50 percent from the field in scoring his 26 points. His highlights included a 4-of-6 fourth quarter in which he made three three-pointers. Anthony Black also had a big night off the bench, but Cole is the more capable scorer. He’ll need to play to this level consistently if the Magic are to have a chance of upsetting Boston in the first round. Game 1 will be on Sunday.

Joseph was the lone typical starter that suited up for Orlando on Friday, though he only played six minutes. If he plays in the regular season finale, don’t expect him to play a significant role. Anthony Black and Cole Anthony should fill out most of the point guard minutes.

While Joseph is dealing with a sore left knee that led to his addition to the injury report, Caldwell-Pope exited Wednesday’s win over the Celtics with a strained left knee. KCP was replaced in the lineup by Caleb Houstan, who would likely start if the veteran is unavailable on Friday. Joseph’s absence would mean a point guard rotation of Cole Anthony and Anthony Black. With the Magic locked into the seven-seed in the East, the last two games of the regular season have minimal meaning for them.

Anthony spent much of this season filling in for Jalen Suggs before dealing with his own injury, a sprained left big toe that cost him nine games. He played 22 minutes off the bench Wednesday and made five three-pointers. He also had an impact on the game by collecting eight rebounds. Anthony isn’t seeing big minutes as the team is playing it cautious with him down the stretch, which makes him difficult to roster in fantasy at this point.

Sidelined for nine of Orlando’s last 10 games with a toe injury, Anthony returned to the rotation on Tuesday. He was used in a reserve role, as the team is taking a cautious approach after an aggravation of the initial toe injury sidelined Anthony for seven of those nine games. He filled the stat sheet, but those who have him rostered took a hit in the field goal percentage category. Anthony’s return meant fewer minutes for Cory Joseph (6/2/1 with two three-pointers) and Anthony Black (4/2/3/3), who played 18 and 20 minutes, respectively. The Magic play their final game of Week 22 in Washington on Thursday, so managers who have any of these guards rostered will want to free up that roster spot for the weekend.

Following a seven-game absence, Anthony will be back to take on San Antonio. He had been a consistent starter at point guard, but he came off the bench in the last game he played, which was a return from a two-game absence. Anthony will come off the bench in this one, allowing Cory Joseph to continue to start. However, Joseph and Anthony Black will lose out on minutes with Anthony available.

Head coach Jamahl Mosley said Anthony is “trending in the right direction,” which doesn’t provide much clarity. He was listed as questionable instead of doubtful ahead of Monday’s game, which is a stronger indicator that a return is close. Orlando will play in San Antonio on Tuesday on the second night of a back-to-back, which will be Anthony’s next chance to suit up. Cory Joseph will continue to start at center, with Anthony Black filling out the backup minutes.

Anthony has missed six straight games, and he’s in danger of missing a seventh. If he’s out, expect Cory Joseph to remain with the first unit and Anthony Black to pick up additional minutes off the bench.

As expected, Anthony will be sidelined for a sixth-straight game. Cory Joseph will likely remain in the starting unit, with Anthony Black playing a larger role off the bench. Black is the better streaming option, though neither have been consistently productive with Anthony sidelined.

Anthony is now on track to miss a sixth-straight game with no end in sight. Cory Joseph will continue to start in place of Anthony, though Anthony Black has been more productive off the bench and has played more minutes.