Noah Penda will not return to Friday's preseason game against the Miami Heat because of tightness in his right hamstring. The Magic guard-forward is listed day-to-day, with an expected return date of Oct. 21.
What happened
Penda left Friday's preseason game against the Heat and will not return because of tightness in his right hamstring, according to the team's injury report, updated at 8:03 p.m. ET. He is listed day-to-day. Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports Penda finishes with one steal in two minutes. It is the second time this preseason the right hamstring has sidelined him: he was listed day-to-day with the same injury on Sept. 30 before being cleared on Oct. 11.
What it means for the Magic
The Magic hosted the Heat in a preseason game that tipped off at 7 p.m. ET, and Penda did not return once the hamstring tightened up, exiting after two minutes on the floor. Last season, as a rookie, he averaged 12.8 minutes, 3.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists over 59 games. With him out, the minutes went to the regulars: Paolo Banchero logged 34.7 minutes and scored 22.2 points, Desmond Bane played 33.6 minutes for 20.1 points, and Franz Wagner added 30.0 minutes and 20.6 points. Orlando has not played a regular-season game yet, so there is no record with or without Penda to measure.
What to watch
The Magic's injury report lists Penda's expected return as Oct. 21, pending further updates. Orlando is also tracking Anthony Black (day-to-day, right ankle) and Jonathan Isaac (day-to-day, left knee), while Izaiyah Nelson is out with a left ankle injury. Look for Penda's status to be updated again as the preseason schedule continues toward opening night.
Is Noah Penda playing vs the Heat?
No. Penda will not return to Friday's preseason game against the Heat because of right hamstring tightness. He is listed day-to-day.
When will Noah Penda be back?
The Magic's injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 21.