After a month-long absence due to a hamstring injury, Gary Harris made his comeback for the Orlando Magic. His return, along with the recent comebacks of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, offers hope for a struggling Magic team.
Former Michigan State guard Gary Harris made his return to the court for the Orlando Magic on Thursday, ending a 13-game absence due to a hamstring injury. After a month away from the game, Harris took things easy, logging just 13 minutes off the bench and scoring three points in the Magic's 119-90 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. This season has been plagued by hamstring issues for the 11-year veteran.
Harris hasn't been able to string together a significant stretch of healthy basketball, a disappointment for a player who can provide reliable production from the bench. His scoring output has steadily declined as he's aged. Back in 2017-18, as a starter for the Denver Nuggets, he averaged 17.5 points per game. This season, the 30-year-old is only averaging four points per contest.The Magic are in dire need of offensive firepower. They rank dead last in offensive efficiency in the NBA this season. While Orlando is a defensively-sound team, their elite defense hasn't been enough to keep them afloat due to the offensive shortcomings. Injuries have been a major blow to the Magic. Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, Orlando's top three players, have all missed significant time. Typically, role players can step up and fill in for short periods, but even Orlando's bench has been decimated by injuries. The Magic have sorely missed Harris' veteran leadership, as well as center Mo Wagner's energy. Wagner was diagnosed with a torn ACL and will be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.The Magic were aiming to build on their success from last year, but now they sit at 24-25, clinging to a play-in spot as the No. 8 seed. However, there is a glimmer of hope for Orlando. Banchero and Wagner have returned to the court, and coupled with Harris' comeback, there's a good chance the Magic can embark on a winning streak. They are just half a game behind the Detroit Pistons, who hold the No. 6 seed in the East, which would guarantee them a first-round matchup
GARY HARRIS ORLANDO MAGIC NBA INJURY COMEBACK PAOLO BANCHERO FRANZ WAGNER
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