Through the Orlando Magic's strong start to the season, the team has dealt with injury problems in the backcourt through the first couple of the weeks.
The latest has been veteran point guard D.J. Augustin currently experiencing issues with a left strained hamstring that he suffered on Nov. 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies, which has forced him to miss the last three games. According to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, Augustin isn't expected to travel with the team on their four-game road trip.
“I don’t anticipate that [D.J. can play on the trip],” coach Frank Vogel said. “He’s really just in the mindset that he’s going to continue to try to improve and see how he responds from treatment.”
Augustin had played a pivotal part in the team's strong start, helping fill the void left by starting point guard Elfrid Payton.
Payton made his return from an eight-game absence from left hamstring issues as well during Wednesday's win over the New York Knicks, where he notched a double-double with 11 points and 11 assists. With him back in the fold, it at least helps alleviate some of the potential problems in the backcourt.
The 29-year-old Augustin has been a source of reliability for the Magic in his second campaign with the team, averaging 8.3 points and 5.1 assists in 22.5 minutes per contest while making six starts within eight appearances. This includes notching double figures three times and recording a double-double.
The only other healthy point guard on the roster is Shelvin Mack, who signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the team in the offseason.
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