Cole Anthony out indefinitely with oblique injury as Magic lose another point guard

The Orlando Magic’s once-crowded backcourt is now running low on point guards.

Already without Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs, the Magic have now lost Cole Anthony for an indefinite period of time. Anthony underwent imaging after the Magic’s loss to the Cavs on Wednesday and it revealed a right internal oblique muscle injury.

A timeframe for his return has not been announced, with the Magic using a mantra that has become all too familiar in recent years of “his return to play will depend on how he responds to rehabilitation and treatment.”

Anthony missed the season opener with an illness but has since averaged 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists in four games.

He’ll now take a seat next to Fultz, who has not played yet this season due to a fractured toe, Suggs, who suffered an ankle sprain in the second game of the season and is also out indefinitely, and shooting guard Gary Harris, who is yet to play this season following knee surgery.

That means R.J. Hampton could be in line for an increased workload. Hampton has been used sporadically by Jamahl Mosley this season. Even with Anthony out in the opener, the 21-year-old oddly didn’t play in the first half of the season opener, with second-round pick Caleb Houstan being first off the bench in a game where turnovers in a sloppy second quarter contributed to the Magic surrendering a lead.

Hampton played 11 minutes that night, then played 16 in the second game. His playing time has gradually declined since, getting nine minutes again Boston, seven against the Knicks and a DNP against the Cavs.

Now Orlando doesn’t have many other options, outside of letting Franz Wagner handle the ball. The only other healthy guards besides Hampton currently on the roster are Terrence Ross and two-way player Kevon Harris.

The 0-5 Magic return home to take on the Hornets on Friday.