Orlando

Magic

Carter picked a good time to have his best offensive performance, scoring a season-high 19 points. Over the past week, WCJ has provided top-80 value in 9-cat formats. However, while Carter’s production has improved, with the Magic center hitting double figures in four of his last five outings, his role isn’t great concerning providing consistent production. And that’s with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner out of the lineup.

After shooting 14-of-21 from the field and scoring 36 points in his first two games of 2025, Caldwell-Pope struggled in Sunday’s loss to the Jazz, scoring two points on 1-of-8 shooting. He cleaned things up on Monday and has made at least three 3-pointers in three of his last four outings. Over the past two weeks, Caldwell-Pope has provided 8th-round value in 9-cat formats and sits just outside the top 100 in season-long value.

After providing minimal production in Sunday’s loss to the Jazz, Anthony played far better against the Knicks. The New York City native and former Archbishop Malloy standout was efficient as a scorer and playmaker, shooting 50% from the field and finishing with a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. While Jalen Suggs’ back injury makes Anthony worth the risk in deep leagues, efficient performances have not been his norm. Hopefully, Monday’s game marks the beginning of a turnaround.

Suggs sat out Sunday, and he’ll miss both halves of Orlando’s back-to-back set, setting up Cole Anthony to take on a larger role on offense. Banchero is nearing a return, but he’s not quite there yet. Both players will have a chance to return Thursday when the Magic host the Timberwolves.

Howard barely played during his rookie season, but he has had a few decent performances in year two. However, none of them compare to this one, as he set new career-highs for points, assists and 3-pointers in the loss. Howard hasn’t seen his minutes increase dramatically despite Orlando dealing with so many injuries, but that could change after a night like this. Still, we’ll need to see him string a few good games together before he becomes worthy of a roster spot in standard leagues. Keep an eye on the rotation in New York on Monday.

Queen is still on a two-way contract, and he barely saw the floor prior to the middle of December. However, with Orlando dealing with injuries to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, Queen has been able to be part of the rotation a few times in recent weeks. He set a new season-high for assists in this game and scored in double figures for the second time this season. It’s great to see him play well, but he isn’t a player to consider rostering in standard leagues.

With Jalen Suggs (back) sidelined, Anthony slid into the starting unit for the first time this season. Anthony Black (back) returned to the lineup after a three-game absence, but Jamahl Mosley opted against putting him in the game. That allowed Anthony to log 28 minutes, though he wasn’t able to have a big night. In fact, after dishing out a season-high 11 assists in their last game, Anthony failed to record an assist in this game despite getting the start at point guard. Anthony has had a couple of strong performances this season, especially with their recent injury issues. However, he has largely been ineffective in fantasy basketball.

With Jalen Suggs (back) sidelined, Anthony will get his first start of the season after dishing out 11 assists off the bench in their last game. Anthony Black (back) will be available to play and should fill out the backup point guard minutes.

Black will be back after missing the team’s last three games. Jalen Suggs (back) exited early from their last game and will remain sidelined for this one. Black could replace him in the starting unit, which would impact the role that Cole Anthony may have seen in this game.

Banchero has been out since October 30 with a torn oblique muscle. The change to “return to competition conditioning” is a sign the All-Star forward is getting closer to a return to game action. Banchero won’t be ready on Sunday, but it appears fantasy managers won’t have to wait much longer for the Magic star to play.