Jonathan Isaac won’t play Monday; expected to return Wednesday

Jonathan Isaac, out since late-December with an ankle injury, is expected to play for the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, reports Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.

Isaac is coming off of two rehab starts with the Lakeland Magic, during which he looked every bit the rusty player one might expect after missing all but 15 games so far in his rookie season.

Isaac, who was recalled by the Magic on Sunday, won’t suit up for the team’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, but, barring setbacks, will be available when Orlando hosts the Raptors on Wednesday.

The return of Isaac - which brings the once injury-riddled Magic close to full strength, outside of Terrence Ross - gives Orlando an active and versatile defender. More importantly, it allows Isaac to salvage what’s left of his rookie season as he builds towards next season. Arguably the most secure player on the Magic roster as the organization heads towards another summer of potential personnel change, the 20-year-old is averaging 5.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 rebounds per game.

Isaac’s return, even with a minutes restriction, will further complicate the frontcourt rotation for Frank Vogel, who is already balancing minutes for Mario Hezonja after he thrived in the four-spot during Aaron Gordon’s absence. The power forward logjam will now be one deeper, and it will be interested to see how Vogel mixes up the lineups down the stretch.