The Orlando Magic walk into Washington, D.C. with a win streak to protect and an injury list to manage. On Tuesday, January 7, the Magic (20-16) face the Wizards (9-25) at Capital One Arena at 7:00 p.m. ET. Orlando is favored by seven points, but the headline before tip is clear: Jalen Suggs is doubtful, and Franz Wagner is out. For a team that leans on its guards to set the tone and its wings to finish, that is no small hurdle.

This is already a matchup the Magic have liked for a while. Orlando has beaten Washington 11 straight times, including a 125-94 win on November 1, 2025. But this road trip comes with a warning label. The Magic have dropped six of their last seven away from home, including their last three as road favorites. Add the injuries, and this game should not be taken lightly.

Tipoff, odds, and context

Oddsmakers still lean Orlando: Magic -7, Over/Under 234.5. That number suggests pace, shot-making, and plenty of possessions. The Wizards fell 141-115 to Minnesota on January 3, showing how quickly things can get away from them against high-powered offenses. Orlando, meanwhile, is coming off a 135-127 win over Indiana on January 4, with three standouts leading the way: Desmond Bane (31 points), Paolo Banchero (28 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists), and Anthony Black (27 points, 10 assists).

“If Suggs sits, it’s Black’s team — let the kid cook.”

Injury report and what it means

For Orlando, the names are big and the roles are bigger:

• Jalen Suggs: Doubtful (right knee MCL contusion)
• Franz Wagner: Out (left high ankle sprain)
• Moritz Wagner: Out (left knee injury recovery)
• Colin Castleton: Out (G League – two-way)

For Washington:

• Kyshawn George: Out (left hip flexor strain)
• Corey Kispert: Out (hamstring injury management)
• Cam Whitmore: Out (shoulder)

No Suggs means Orlando loses a top perimeter defender and a burst of energy at the point of attack. No Franz Wagner removes a steady 20-point threat on the wing who bends defenses with drives and cuts. The ripple effect: more on-ball creation for Anthony Black, more scoring volume for Desmond Bane, and extra touches for Paolo Banchero as a playmaker from the elbow and block.

Bane framed the team’s mindset simply when asked about handling absences: “+It’s just going to be collective. Everybody’s going to have to do a little bit more. That’s been our identity and something that we have to lean into and losing a guy like Jalen, you got to lean into it even more. So give them credit. They play fast. They got a lot of guys that can make plays, but we’ll be better on Tuesday or whenever we play.+”

Orlando rookie Jase Richardson also described his growth arc: “+Yeah, I definitely think it’s just confidence, honestly. I just kind of feel my confidence growing from each game, just learning something new. I’m not going to lie, I’m exhausted. It feels like game 66 already, but just maintaining my body, making sure I’m staying as positive as I can; staying healthy.+” That kind of honesty matches the moment: it is a next-man-up week in Orlando.

“Eleven straight is nice, but the road form worries me more than the Wizards.”

Matchups to watch: backcourt, wings, and the paint

Anthony Black vs. CJ McCollum: Black has been a steady riser, and his 27-10 line against Indiana showed poise. McCollum is a proven scorer who punishes switches and mid-range gaps. Without Suggs, Black’s on-ball defense and decision-making get even more important. If he keeps the Magic organized and limits McCollum’s rhythm, Orlando’s offense can flow with less pressure.

Paolo Banchero vs. Khris Middleton: Banchero’s strength and touch are a lot to handle. Middleton is smart and physical, and he can make Paolo work on the other end. If Banchero gets to the line and sets the tone on the glass, it tilts the night toward Orlando.

Wendell Carter Jr. vs. Alexandre Sarr: Carter is a positional rock who boxes out, finishes, and keeps plays alive. Sarr brings length and shot-blocking. Second-chance points could swing this matchup. If Carter wins the board battle, the Magic can control pace and limit Washington’s transition bursts.

Pace, points, and the 234.5 total

The posted total of 234.5 points hints at a fast game. Washington’s last outing turned into a track meet, and Bane noted that the Wizards “play fast” and have several playmakers. For Orlando, that means valuing the ball and getting back on defense. Expect a lot of early-clock threes, drives, and free throws on both ends. If the Magic keep turnovers low and win the free throw count, they can make the total more comfortable for them than for Washington.

“Banchero vs. Sarr sets the tone — win the glass, win the night.”

Recent form matters

Orlando’s 135-127 win over Indiana was a good sign of resilience without key pieces. Bane’s 31 showed he can scale up as a primary scorer. Banchero’s 28-12-5 underlined his all-around star role. Black’s 27-10 was the big swing: he looked confident, calm, and ready to run a team.

Washington’s 141-115 loss to Minnesota showed the other side. When the Wizards get pushed off their spots, it can snowball. With Corey Kispert out, Washington must find shooting from other sources to keep Orlando honest. Bilal Coulibaly and Tre Johnson will need to attack gaps and keep the paint open for McCollum and Middleton.

Projected starting lineups

• Magic: Anthony Black (G), Desmond Bane (G), Tristan da Silva (F), Paolo Banchero (F), Wendell Carter Jr. (C)
• Wizards: CJ McCollum (G), Tre Johnson (G), Bilal Coulibaly (F), Khris Middleton (F), Alexandre Sarr (C)

Keys to the game

• Guard play without Suggs: Black and Bane must balance scoring with control. Avoid live-ball turnovers that fuel Washington’s pace.
• Paolo’s touches: Put Banchero in spots to bully inside and draw fouls. His passing can unlock shooters and cutters.
• Rebounds and second chances: Carter Jr. vs. Sarr is huge. If Orlando wins the glass, they win the possession game.
• Washington’s spacing: Without Kispert, the Wizards need clean looks for McCollum and Middleton. If those shots fall early, the spread tightens.
• Bench energy: With injuries on both sides, the first burst off the bench could decide a quarter.

Bottom line

On paper, the Magic have the edge. They have won 11 in a row against the Wizards, and even with injuries, they still have Banchero, Bane, and a rising Black. But the numbers on the road are real, and the injury list is long. If Orlando brings focus, cleans the glass, and keeps turnovers low, they should handle business.

If not, Washington has just enough pace and shot-making to make things nervous late. Either way, this is a night for Anthony Black to show he can steer a short-handed group, and for Paolo Banchero to stamp it with star power.