Suggs Targets Oct. 22 Return vs. Heat

Jalen Suggs is progressing in rehab from left-knee surgery to repair a season-ending trochlea cartilage tear treated in March and has already participated in non-contact drills as the Orlando Magic target him to return on opening night, Oct. 22, against the Miami Heat. Team president Jeff Weltman said Suggs has made significant progress, will be carefully monitored during training camp and could appear in at least one preseason game, though the club will prioritize his long-term health. Suggs averaged 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals in 35 games in 2024-25, shooting 41.0% overall and 31.4% from three before the injury. At media day he expressed excitement about reuniting with veteran Tyus Jones and praised early chemistry with new teammate Desmond Bane. The Magic added that Moritz “Moe” Wagner’s recovery from a torn left ACL has a much longer timeline and he is unlikely to be ready by opening night.