Is Jalen Suggs back against the Hornets after a long injury layoff?

The Orlando Magic provided a cautiously optimistic injury update Thursday morning regarding the guard Jalen Suggs as the team returned home from their European trip.

Suggs was listed as suspicious on the Magic’s latest injury report with a right knee contusion ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. However, head coach Jamal Mosley later clarified that the running back won’t playdespite the upgrade signaling continued progress in his recovery.

According to Orlando Sentinel reporter Jason Beede, Mosley confirmed that Suggs has been sidelined after some recent on-field work.

“#Magic coach Jamahl Mosley says Jalen Suggs (right knee contusion) will be OUT for tonight’s game vs. Charlotte,” Beede said on X. “Suggs ‘got good after yesterday’s work’ and Orlando will see how he goes from there.”

The update reflects a step forward for Suggs, who missed more than three weeks after suffering an injury earlier this month. His last appearance was on January 2 Orlando’s 121-114 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Before exiting early in the third quarter, Suggs had 11 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal while shooting 4-for-6 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free throw line in 20 minutes.

Jalen Suggs vs. Hornets as Magic gauges comeback timeline

Orlando enters Thursday’s contest at 23-19 after splitting its two games overseas, beating the Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin before crashing in London on Sunday. The Magic will host the Hornets (16-28) at 7:00 PM ET as they continue regular season play in Central Florida.

Suggs was a key two-way contributor when he was available in his fifth NBA season. The 24-year-old former second-team all-defensive selection is averaging 15.0 points, career highs of 4.7 assists and 1.9 steals and 3.7 rebounds per game. He is shooting 47.1% from the field and 33.1% from three-point range in 23 appearances while playing 25.4 minutes per contest.

While Suggs will not return Thursday, the upgrade to questionable suggests a potential return in the near future as Orlando continues to evaluate its response to the increased workload.

After the game against Charlotte, the Magic will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday at 7:00 PM ET before opening a doubleheader next Monday with a return visit to Cleveland. Orlando’s handling of Suggs’ recovery remains measured as the team faces a challenging stretch of the schedule.