Nearing Return, Magic's Wendell Carter Jr. Practices Ahead of Clippers Matchup

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. has missed eight consecutive games with left foot plantar fasciitis. According to Magic team reporter Dan Savage, the 25-year-old center participated partially in the team's practice ahead of tomorrow's game versus the LA Clippers.

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Center. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. went through part of the team's practice on Tuesday afternoon and will be listed as questionable for Wednesday's game between the Magic and Los Angeles Clippers, according to a report from Magic writer Dan Savage.

Carter Jr. has missed eight consecutive games with left foot plantar fasciitis. Since leaving the second quarter of Orlando's Nov. 3 loss at Dallas, the 25-year-old center has been sidelined from action.

The Magic are in the midst of a three-game west coast road trip. Orlando practiced Tuesday afternoon at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles ahead of the team's tilt with the Clippers on Wednesday.

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) dunks the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center. / David Banks-Imagn Images

Before Orlando's Monday night game at Phoenix, the Magic big man was listed as doubtful on the team's injury report – a change after being listed as out more than 24 hours in advance of previous games.

So far this season, Carter Jr. has played in six games. He's averaging 8.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 44.7 FG% shooting in 26.3 minutes of action.

In his absence, Goga Bitadze has assumed the starting role after returning from a left foot tendon strain. Over his last eight games, he's averaged 10.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks a game, shooting 72.5 FG% from the field.

Related Stories on the Orlando Magic

• COLUMN: WAGNER WORTH EVERY PENNY: The Orlando Magic met equal parts praise and skepticism when they gave Franz Wagner a $224-million max rookie extension. Fifteen games into the season, Wagner's on an All-Star trajectory. CLICK HERE
• COULD BANCHERO RETURN BY CHRISTMAS?: Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero told ESPN's Marc Spears that he feels he could be back by Christmas from a torn right oblique muscle. CLICK HERE
• FRANZ WAGNER NAMED EAST POTW: Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner became the 14th player in franchise history to be named the conference’s Player of the Week. CLICK HERE
• CAN MAGIC CARRY HOME SUCCESS WEST?: The Orlando Magic are 7-0 at home and 1-6 on the road. How do they change that? "You have to find a way, Jamahl Mosley said. CLICK HERE
• MAGIC'S NBA-BEST 4Q DEFENSE: While possessing the NBA's best final-quarter defense, the Magic feel they "can stay with any team in the league night in and night out." CLICK HERE
• 'STEADY' GOGA PROVIDING IMPACT: Goga Bitadze could've gone anywhere this summer, but he returned to the Orlando Magic. Now he is fulfilling various roles, including the starting center position as of late, and the Magic are reaping the benefits of Bitadze's impact. CLICK HERE
• WAGNER'S GROWTH INTO NO. 1 OPTION CRITICAL: Without Paolo Banchero in the fold due to injury, the Magic's ability to stay afloat is led by Franz Wagner. His comfort in that role is crucial. CLICK HERE
• MAGIC'S 2024-25 SCHEDULE: See the complete slate for the Orlando Magic in 2024-25 and all the details – dates, locations, TV, tip times, and more – that you need to know. CLICK HERE

Want more Orlando Magic coverage on Sports Illustrated?

Follow 'Orlando Magic on SI' on Facebook and like our page. Follow Magic beat reporter Mason Williams on Twitter/X @mvsonwilliams. Also, bookmark our homepage so you never miss a story.