Nikola Vucevic is day-to-day with a rest issue after sitting out Tuesday's preseason game against the Cavaliers. The Magic center is expected back for Friday's preseason game against the Heat.
What happened
The Orlando Magic listed Nikola Vucevic as day-to-day on the Friday, Oct. 16 injury report, with the issue logged as rest. His previous status is not announced. The report's comment says Vucevic is out for Tuesday's preseason game against the Cavaliers because of rest. The report, issued at 8:23 a.m. ET Friday, lists his expected return as Oct. 16, the same day as Orlando's preseason game against the Heat.
What it means for the Magic
Orlando hosts Miami on Friday at 7 p.m. ET in a preseason game. Vucevic averaged 15.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 28.4 minutes last season as the Magic's starting center. In games he has missed, Paolo Banchero has logged 34.7 minutes and 22.2 points, Desmond Bane 33.6 minutes and 20.1 points, Franz Wagner 30.0 minutes and 20.6 points, Anthony Black 29.8 minutes and 15.0 points, Wendell Carter Jr. 29.3 minutes and 11.8 points, Jalen Suggs 27.6 minutes and 13.8 points, Tristan da Silva 24.7 minutes and 9.9 points, and Jevon Carter 20.4 minutes and 7.2 points. The Magic are 0-0, since the 2026-27 regular season has not started.
What to watch
The Magic's next injury report will update Vucevic's status ahead of tipoff against the Heat. His expected return is listed as Oct. 16, matching Friday's preseason game. Orlando is also tracking Anthony Black, day-to-day with a right ankle issue, Jonathan Isaac, day-to-day with a left knee issue, and Izaiyah Nelson, out with a left ankle issue, as the preseason schedule continues.
Is Nikola Vucevic playing vs Heat?
He is day-to-day with a rest issue. His expected return is listed as Oct. 16, the date of Friday's preseason game against the Heat, but Orlando has not confirmed he will play.
When will Nikola Vucevic be back?
The injury report lists his expected return as Oct. 16. The Magic have not announced a timeline beyond that date.