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The shorthanded Magic will get one key piece back on Friday against the Trailblazers: Aaron Gordon.
Gordon, the Magic’s leading scorer has missed two games after suffering a concussion on Dec. 8, will return to the Magic starting lineup, which has also been without second-leading scorer Evan Fournier.
Frank Vogel told reporters on Friday morning that Gordon, averaging 18.5, points per game, will be available against the Trailblazers.
Aaron Gordon has completed the NBA concussion protocol and is expected to play tonight for the Magic against the Trail Blazers.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) December 15, 2017
John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com reported that Gordon plans to wear a mouthpiece for the first time since his rookie season after his teeth took the brunt of his collision with Gary Harris.
Jonathan Isaac, who has missed 16 games since suffering a sprained ankle on Nov. 11, practiced with the team for the first time on Thursday but will be held out of Friday’s game as a precaution.
.@OrlandoMagic coach Frank Vogel said F Jonathan Isaac came through Thursday’s practice with no soreness and continued to impress on the court on Fri morning. However, he is being withheld tonight by the medical staff as a precautionary measure for his long-term health.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) December 15, 2017
Arron Afflalo will miss his second consecutive game.