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Magic’s Jonathan Isaac calls injury management a ‘slow process’, but says he’ll be back
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- Magic’s Jonathan Isaac calls injury management a ‘slow process’, but says he’ll be back
TORONTO — Magic forward Jonathan Isaac missed all four of Orlando 's preseason games and has remained out to start the NBA regular season because of what the team calls "left knee injury management."
But what's the actual injury he's managing?
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Isaac last played against the Wizards at Kia Center on March 12, the night he suffered a left knee sprain. He missed the final 17 games of the regular season as well as all seven first-round playoff games.
According to Isaac, he's still managing the same injury.
"It's the same thing," he told the Orlando Sentinel after shootaround ahead of Wednesday's game against the Raptors inside Scotiabank Arena . "It was a sprain and a bruise. And I've had a little bit of nerve issue on the left side of my knee. So dealing with that, it's been a slow process unfortunately, but it's been steady. So, I'm happy that I know I'll play this season."
Isaac, who often wears a brace on his left knee as he works out on the court, told the Orlando Sentinel he recently played 3-on-3 and the next steps include playing 4-on-4 and eventually 5-on-5.
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"I'm feeling good," he said. "I'm happy with my progress so far. … I'm hoping to get back with the team and ease my way back into playing. But I feel good. I'm happy with myself, the work, the coaching staff, the training staff, everybody."
Orlando initially waived Isaac in late-June to avoid fully guaranteeing his $14.5 million salary for the 2026-27 season. The Magic still owed Isaac $8 million in guaranteed money, but waiving him allowed the franchise to re-sign him to a one-year, veteran minimum contract .
The longest-tenured member of the Magic, Isaac averaged career lows in scoring (2.6 points per night) and rebounding (2.5 rebounds per night) in just 52 regular-season appearances. He previously missed 2 1/2 years from 2020-22 due to various knee injuries, including a torn left ACL.
Isaac was asked by the Orlando Sentinel what else remains in his rehab process in order to play again.
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"It's hard to answer," he said. "But I'm taking a big step forward. I played 3-on-3. My knee needs to calm down over the next couple days and then take the next big step playing 4-on-4. So, it's just kind of like taking a couple steps forward, a little step back, couple steps forward, a little step back until my knee has adjusted to real contact, 100% speed and everything."
As Isaac works his way back to the court, he feels support from his teammates.
"My teammates have always been great to me," he said. "They've always respected me and my process. I've worked hard and they've respected that. I've been the best cheerleader that I can be off the court in trying to help this team and help guys.
"I just can't wait to be back in the fold with them."
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Of course, Isaac isn't the only injured member of the Magic just over a week into the regular season.
Starters Jalen Suggs (right knee bone bruise) and Paolo Banchero (right low-grade high ankle sprain) didn't travel with the team to Toronto from New York and instead returned to Orlando to focus on treatment.
In addition, Magic forward Noah Penda (right partially torn hamstring) was seen going through some shooting drills after shootaround Wednesday. Rookie second-round pick Izaiyah Nelson continues to rehab a left ankle fracture he suffered at Las Vegas Summer League as well.
While not injury-related, Anthony Black was not at shootaround due to personal reasons. The team listed him as questionable for Wednesday's contest, but he was expected to be back for the game.
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Orlando will remain in Toronto for a second road matchup against the Raptors on Friday night.
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
Up next
What:Magic at Raptors
When:7:30 p.m., Friday, Scotiabank Arena
TV:MagicTV 27, DAZN (streaming)
