Orlando Magic rookie Chuma Okeke is reportedly expected to miss several weeks with a left knee bone bruise, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The injury to Okeke is in the same knee in which he suffered a torn ACL in March 2019 during the NCAA Tournament. The Magic announced on Friday that an MRI showed that all of his ligaments remained intact and that his return to play will be dependent on his response to treatment.
Okeke suffered the injury during the fourth quarter on Thursday versus the Philadelphia 76ers. He appeared to tweak his knee on a spin play and was later seen hobbling off of the court back to the locker room.
Orlando Magic F Chuma Okeke is expected to miss several weeks with a bone bruise in his left knee, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 1, 2021
Okeke missed the entire 2019-20 season due to his ACL tear but has emerged as a key player in the Magic’s rotation this season.
The 16th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft is averaging three points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 18.3 minutes per game. He has carved out a spot behind Aaron Gordon in the lineup and is often among the first players off the bench each game.
The loss of Okeke figures to be a big hit to the team’s depth and will likely open the door for Gary Clark to see additional playing time. The Magic have gotten off to a 4-1 start this season and were the last unbeaten team in the NBA prior to losing on Thursday.
Orlando returns to action on Saturday vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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