Magic's Wendell Carter: Increased competition at center
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Carter's outlook becomes more uncertain following Orlando's acquisition of Nikola Vucevic.
While Carter has served as the Magic's starting center in recent seasons, Vucevic's return could cut into his playing time and potentially shift him into a reduced role depending on how Orlando structures its frontcourt rotation. Carter is likely to remain with the first unit, but his fantasy value may take a hit if the two centers split minutes consistently.
Magic's Wendell Carter: Commendable effort in loss
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Carter contributed 13 points (3-7 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 6-8 FT), five rebounds, two assists and one block over 38 minutes during Sunday's 116-94 loss to Detroit in Game 7 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Carter logged a season-high 38 minutes, bringing the curtain down on what was a relatively successful season, at least from a personal standpoint. After establishing himself as the starting center on Opening Night, Carter held onto the position for the duration of the season. He finished the regular season with averages of 11.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks and 0.9 three-pointers in 78 outings. Although his lack of defensive contributions remains an issue, he did average 1.3 blocks per game over the final 15 games of the season, including the playoffs.
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Magic's Wendell Carter: Modest offensive production
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Carter recorded nine points (3-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-4 FT), two assists and two blocks in 32 minutes before fouling out of Friday's 93-79 loss to Detroit in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Carter scored just nine points for the second straight game as Orlando blew a 24-point lead and eventually fell by 14 points. Through six games, Carter's production has seemingly been a measuring stick for the Magic. In three wins, he has averaged 14.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. In three losses, his numbers have fallen to 7.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.
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Magic's Wendell Carter: Big day on glass in Game 3 win
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Carter ended Saturday's 113-105 victory over the Pistons in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs with 14 points (5-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 17 rebounds, three assists and one block across 37 minutes.
The 27-year-old center delivered his first double-double in April at a very opportune time, and the 17 boards represented his best performance on the glass since the 2021-22 season. Carter has produced strong numbers in both of the Magic's wins in the series so far, and he's averaging 11.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals in 32.7 minutes heading into Game 4 on Monday.
Carter recorded 17 points (8-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt), seven rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals over 37 minutes during Sunday's 112-101 victory over the Pistons in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Carter was at his best in the win, chipping in across all major categories as Orlando came out of the blocks with a bang. While his production has been a little up and down throughout the season, Carter has been a consistent part of the rotation. After having limited Jalen Duren to just eight points and seven rebounds, Carter should expect a tougher go of things when the two teams meet again in Game 2.
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Magic's Wendell Carter: Only three points in loss
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Carter supplied three points (0-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 31 minutes during Sunday's 113-108 loss to the Celtics.
Carter struggled during the loss, scoring just three points, the fewest he has scored since mid-Feb. Despite facing a Boston team minus all of its stars, Orlando failed to get the job done. As punishment, the Magic will now have to face the 76ers in Philadelphia, where the loser will then have to back up against either the Heat or the Hornets.
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Magic's Wendell Carter: Upgraded to available
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Carter (questionable) is available for Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Carter was initially carrying a questionable tag due to a nasal fracture, but the big man will suit up and should handle his regular workload down low. Carter is averaging 13.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game in 19 appearances since the beginning of March.
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Magic's Wendell Carter: Questionable for Wednesday
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Carter is questionable for Wednesday's game against Minnesota with a nasal fracture.
Carter didn't return to Monday's win over the Pistons due to the injury. His absence would free up a spot in the starting lineup, which would likely be filled by Goga Bitadze and would also put him in the streaming mix.
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Magic's Wendell Carter: Fails to return vs. Detroit
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Carter (neck) didn't return to Monday's game against the Pistons. He finished the night with 12 points (2-4 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 7-8 FT), three rebounds, three assists and one steal in 18 minutes.
The timing of this injury is unfortunate for Carter and the Magic, who have three regular-season matchups remaining before gearing up for the playoffs. The team will presumably re-evaluate the 26-year-old Tuesday to determine his status for Wednesday's game against Minnesota.
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Magic's Wendell Carter: Unlikely to return Monday
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Carter exited Monday's game against the Pistons due to a neck sprain and is doubtful to return.
The Magic will likely lean on Goga Bitadze down the stretch with Carter presumably shut down for the rest of the night. He can be considered day-to-day leading up to Wednesday's game against Minnesota, assuming he fails to return Monday.
Carter finished Friday's 138-127 victory over the Mavericks with 28 points (8-16 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 10-10 FT), six rebounds and three assists across 36 minutes.
Carter not only led the Magic in scoring in this win, but he also delivered a season-high mark in scoring -- his previous season-best output was a 26-point effort against the Nuggets on Dec. 18. Carter is ending the regular season on a strong note, and even though he tends to operate as the No. 3 or No. 4 option offensively for Orlando, he's making the most of his role. This was the 12th time he's scored in double digits over his last 13 appearances dating back to March 11.
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Magic's Wendell Carter: Posts double-double
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Carter recorded 15 points (4-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 12 rebounds and two steals across 28 minutes during Tuesday's 115-111 win over the Suns.
Carter was efficient on both ends of the court and posted his second double-double over the last three games. While Carter's upside on offense is being the team's No. 3 option in a best-case scenario, he ultimately produces enough even in a limited role to be considered a strong fantasy option. Carter ended March scoring in double digits in nine of his last 10 appearances, averaging 13.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals per contest.
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Magic's Wendell Carter: Records double-double
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Carter finished with 10 points (3-8 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 11 rebounds, one block and one steal in 35 minutes during Thursday's 121-117 win over the Kings.
Carter didn't have his best shooting performance, particularly considering that he plays near the rim as a center, but he still posted a decent output. This was his first double-double since March 12, when he had 19 points and 11 rebounds in a win over the Wizards, and his fifth since the All-Star break. It's worth noting that Carter has now scored in double digits in each of his last nine appearances as well.
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Magic's Wendell Carter: Productive again despite loss
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Carter contributed 15 points (4-7 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 5-6 FT), five rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 29 minutes before fouling out of Tuesday's 136-131 loss to the Cavaliers.
Carter continues to play a pivotal role for the Magic, despite the fact that he has yet to really blow up. He has been one of the more underrated players this season, quietly going about his business with very little fanfare. Through 68 games, he has been a top-70 player in nine-category leagues, averaging 11.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.0 three-pointers.
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