Josh Robbins: Jonathan Isaac isn’t scheduled to play tonight because of his mild right ankle sprain. But he is in uniform and is taking part in the pregame layup line. He still won’t play, but his activity level is a sign his current injury isn’t as severe as the sprains he had last season.
More on Jonathan Isaac Injury
Josh Robbins: Jonathan Isaac's injury from last night's exhibition game in Philadelphia has been diagnosed as a mild right ankle sprain, a team official told the @OrlandoSentinel. The team likely will list him as "day-to-day," but chances are the Magic will proceed cautiously and not rush him.
Josh Robbins: Jonathan Isaac's left ankle still has swelling and soreness, Frank Vogel said. If those issues continue, it will be highly unlikely that Isaac will play again this season, Vogel said.
Orlando Magic rookie forward Jonathan Isaac continues to be bothered by discomfort in his left foot and didn’t practice Monday, casting doubt about his availability for the team’s game Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets at Amway Center. Coach Frank Vogel said Isaac still feels some pain in the top of his foot.
Jonathan Isaac’s return to game action is imminent. Coach Frank Vogel said Isaac will practice with the Magic’s G-League affiliate in Lakeland on Thursday and then play for Lakeland when it hosts the Maine Red Claws on Friday night at the RP Funding Center. “I feel good,” Isaac said after Orlando’s practice Wednesday afternoon. “I definitely understand why they want me to spend some time there [with Lakeland]. I’m just focused on getting back up here [with Orlando] as fast as possible and getting back around these guys.”
Jonathan Isaac likely will have a minutes restriction during his stint with Lakeland. “My goal in the games I do play in, if it is more than one or just one, is to win those games,” Isaac said. “Like I said before, those guys down there have been working really hard on what they want to do and where they want to get to. And I’m not going down there to steal the show or try to take every shot. I just want to play hard and play great basketball and get a win.”
Josh Robbins: Nothing has been solidified yet with Jonathan Isaac playing in the G League, but Frank Vogel said it appears Isaac likely will play for Lakeland over the weekend.
Jonathan Isaac, 20, severely sprained his ankle on Nov. 11 when he landed on the foot of a player whose shot he had just swatted. He’s played only sparingly since then but is hopeful that he will be back on the floor for the Magic following the break for the NBA All-Star Game. Until then, Isaac said he’s completely comfortable watching others in his draft class shine because he knows his moments will eventually come. ``Everybody’s time is different, and everybody has a different journey to greatness and has a different road,’’ Isaac said. ``So, it’s just about being happy for guys when their numbers are called and when their time is now. My time will be later.’’
Isaac, a deeply religious person who often speaks openly about his faith, said the time away from games has been good for his brain and body. Through vigorous work in the weight room with Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Bill Burgos, he’s added 11 pounds to bulk up to 222 pounds. And rather than allow the time away to bother him mentally, Isaac said it’s been a good refresher that stoked his hunger for basketball. ``I feel like it’s been a blessing being out and being able to slow down,’’ said Isaac, who recently gave a sermon about his faith at a local Orlando church. ``Being a rookie, you take so much onto you when you’re playing so much, and you are trying to handle life outside of basketball. But being able to slow down and really focus on my life outside of basketball and my body … has been great.’’
When Orlando Magic rookie Jonathan Isaac makes his long-awaited return, he might play first for the Magic’s G-League affiliate in Lakeland. Isaac hasn’t played since Dec. 26 because his right ankle never fully healed from a sprain he suffered Nov. 11. “It’s going to be predicated on the practices that we have coming out of the break, how he looks, how he feels, how his conditioning is,” coach Frank Vogel said. “There’s a possibility that he plays in the G-League for a couple of games to help get his games under him.”
Steve Kyler: Magic rookie Jonathan Isaac is progressing - cleared for full contact. Working his way back to game shape. Likely to return sometime after All-Star if things continue without setbacks.
Josh Robbins: Jonathan Isaac and Nikola Vucevic practiced with the team today, but Frank Vogel said both players are a ways away from playing again. In other words, their returns to game action don't appear imminent.
Josh Robbins: Jonathan Isaac will not play tonight against the Pistons because Isaac reaggravated his right ankle in Miami, Frank Vogel said. Evan Fournier and Aaron Gordon will be gametime decisions, Vogel said.
Josh Robbins: The Magic have listed Evan Fournier (ankle), Aaron Gordon (calf) and Jonathan Isaac (ankle) as questionable for tomorrow night's game in Miami. Terrence Ross and Nikola Vucevic are out because of their injuries.
Josh Robbins: Here's the Magic's injury report for Friday's game against the Pelicans: QUESTIONABLE: Jonathan Isaac (sore right ankle). DOUBTFUL: Evan Fournier (ankle), Aaron Gordon (calf). OUT: Terrence Ross (knee).
Josh Robbins: Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, who sprained his right ankle on Nov. 11 and hasn't played since, will play this afternoon against the Pistons. He'll have a minutes restriction.
Josh Robbins: Jonathan Isaac's ankle responded well to practice yesterday, but the Magic are going to hold him out tonight as a precaution. ... Also, Arron Afflalo won't play tonight because of back spasms. Mario Hezonja will start on the wing in Afflalo's place with Evan Fournier also out.
Josh Robbins: The Magic have listed Arron Afflalo (back spasms), Aaron Gordon (concussion) and Jonathan Isaac (ankle) as questionable for Friday night's game against the Trail Blazers. Evan Fournier (ankle) and Terrence Ross (knee) are listed as out.
Josh Robbins: Jonathan Isaac, who sprained his right ankle on Nov. 11, practiced with his Orlando Magic teammates this afternoon for the first time since his injury. The next step for him is to see how his ankle responds to today's work.
Josh Robbins: In addition to Terrence Ross, the Magic's injury report for tomorrow night's game against the Hawks lists Jonathan Isaac (right ankle) as out.
Rookie forward Jonathan Isaac, who sprained his right ankle Nov. 11 and has missed Orlando’s last eight games, participated in the non-contact portions of the Magic’s practice Tuesday. He also did some shooting and defensive drills after the workout.
“It felt good,” Isaac said. “I’m definitely making progress. I can’t wait to get back on the court.” His ankle still has some soreness, and team officials have listed Isaac as out for Wednesday night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“You hate to say you’re missing a 20-year-old rookie, but we are,” Magic coach Frank Vogel said. “He’s a dynamic player, especially on the defensive end, and he’s missed. But every single team in the league has got guys out.”
Josh Robbins: The Magic have listed rookie forward Jonathan Isaac as out for Monday's game against the Pacers. Isaac sprained his right ankle Nov. 11 against Denver.
Josh Robbins: Jonathan Isaac, who sprained his right ankle in Denver on Saturday, is out of his walking boot. He still feels discomfort when he moves side to side, but he's making progress and feeling better.
The Orlando Magic rookie suffered the injury during a loss Monday afternoon to the Dallas Mavericks when he elevated toward the rim, collided with two defenders and landed awkwardly. Isaac remained in the game for 40 more seconds but sat out the second half. A team spokesman said an MRI was performed after the game and said the exam revealed no structural damage other than a strain. Isaac will not play in the Magic’s final two exhibition games Wednesday and Thursday for precautionary reasons.
