Ryan Anderson Injury: Orlando Magic Forward Sprains Ankle in Loss to Denver Nuggets

The Orlando Magic lost starting power forward Ryan Anderson in the final minute of Sunday's loss to the Denver Nuggets when the four-year veteran sprained his right ankle trying to defend a pick-and-roll. Switching to cover Denver point guard Ty Lawson, Anderson planted his right foot and rolled it as Lawson hit a jump shot to put Denver up by four points with 23.9 seconds remaining. X-rays performed on Anderson's ankle after the game showed only the sprain and no structural damage. Orlando has listed him as day-to-day, and his status for Tuesday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons is unknown.

Anderson scored 20 points in Sunday's contest, shooting 7-of-18 from the floor. He averages 16.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, trailing only All-Star center Dwight Howard (20.9 points, 14.5 boards) among Magic players. Anderson leads all NBA players in three-pointers made (150) and attempted (363) in the 2011/12 campaign.

Howard missed Sunday's loss to Denver due to back spasms which coach Stan Van Gundy attributed to punches the three-time Defensive Player of the Year absorbed from Dallas Mavericks center Brendan Haywood during the Magic's loss to Dallas on Friday night. Van Gundy said he plans to send video of the play in question to the league office for review.

We invite you to follow Orlando Pinstriped Post on Twitter and like Orlando Pinstriped Post on Facebook.