:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58964367/usa_today_10681974.0.jpg)
Remember when the Magic were near full strength? It didn’t last long.
Aaron Gordon was placed on concussion protocol after suffering his second concussion of the season and third in less than two years.
The Magic have placed Aaron Gordon in the concussion protocol, a team official said. Gordon collided with Julius Randle during last night's game and experienced concussion symptoms after the game.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 9, 2018
Gordon had his first concussion of the season in December and was forced to miss two games. The larger concern isn’t so much how many games he will miss this time around but if he is prone to concussions.
Gordon will be out of Friday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, as will Evan Fournier, who suffered a sprained MCL against the Lakers and will be out indefinitely.
.@OrlandoMagic will be WITHOUT F Evan Fournier on Friday vs. @SacramentoKings with a sprained left MCL in his left knee. MRI revealed no tears. His return will depend on how he responds to treatment.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) March 8, 2018
Robbins reported that Fournier doesn’t expect the injury to be season-ending.
When asked if he’s concerned that he’ll miss the remainder of the season, Fournier answered, “No, I don’t think so. That would be really disappointing to end my season like that. So, no. I don’t think so.”
The one silver lining in the injury news is that it will open up more minutes for Jonathan Isaac and Mario Hezonja. Shelvin Mack could also see some increased minutes on Friday after D.J. Augustin suffered an ankle injury against the Lakers.
Also, D.J. Augustin rolled his right ankle late in the loss to the Lakers, and his status for Friday night's game in Sacramento is unclear. Right now, he's listed as questionable to play.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 8, 2018
So if you’re keeping count at home, the Magic potentially lost three starters and all faith in clock operators while playing Los Angeles.