The Orlando Magic will be without rookie point guard Cole Anthony for a significant period with the 20-year-old recently diagnosed with a rib fracture.
According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN, Anthony will be out of action for Orlando for at least the next two to three weeks:
Injury update on Cole Anthony. pic.twitter.com/uwJMhbtLZ6
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) February 16, 2021
This is a tough blow for Anthony, who has had an impressive run in his debut season. Prior to sustaining the injury on February 9 against the Portland Trail Blazers, the 6-foot-2 point guard was on an impressive four-game run. He was playing the best basketball of his fledgling NBA career, averaging 15.0 points (on 47.9 percent shooting), 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.3 steals.
Anthony took over the starting point guard spot in Orlando in the wake of Markelle Fultz' unfortunate season-ending ACL injury. Fultz was able to log just eight games this season before being forced to sit out the remainder of the campaign. This came as a bit of a silver lining for Anthony, who Magic head coach Steve Clifford entrusted with the reins of the offense sans Fultz.
With Anthony now going down for a significant period, it's Michael Carter-Williams who is expected to be the next man up. MCW has been playing well of late, and the 29-year-old will likely be given as many minutes he can handle at the one spot for the time being.
Anthony's recent injury comes at an inopportune time for Orlando, who themselves have been struggling mightily. The Magic have lost five out of their seven February games thus far, as they sit at the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference with a 10-18 record.
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