Anthony Black Recovered From Ankle Sprain
The Orlando Magic guard returned to non-contact practice after suffering an injury during voluntary workouts.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Basketball
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Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black has returned to non-contact work at a full-speed level following an ankle sprain suffered during voluntary workouts. The team limited his participation as training camp concluded its first week.
Why it matters
The Magic are managing player health as they prepare for the upcoming season, with Black looking to build on his production from the previous campaign. His availability remains a key factor for the rotation as the team shifts into preseason competition.
Black averaged 15 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals across 29.8 minutes per game during the 2025-26 season. He maintained a 44.7% field goal percentage alongside a 33.3% rate from three-point range.
The players
Anthony Black
He is a guard for the Orlando Magic who averaged 15 points per game during the 2025-26 season.
Noah Penda
He is a member of the Orlando Magic currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
Orlando Magic
This is a professional basketball team based in Orlando that competes in the NBA.
Memphis Grizzlies
This is a professional basketball team that is scheduled to play the Magic in a preseason game.
The details
The Magic utilized two-a-day practice sessions to open their training camp, during which Black performed non-contact drills. The medical staff continues to monitor his progress alongside teammate Noah Penda, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
Timeline
The 2025-26 season saw Black play 64 games.
Training camp concluded its first week on October 2, 2026.
The Magic face the Memphis Grizzlies for a preseason opener on October 7, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The team is currently focused on optimizing their rotation during the preseason to prepare for the rigors of the NBA calendar. These evaluations directly influence how the coaching staff will deploy players when the regular season schedule officially begins.
The status of Black impacts the team's early rotation and backcourt depth heading into the preseason opener. Coaches will use the exhibition games to test lineups, directly affecting player minute distributions and initial season standings math.
The takeaway
Maintaining player health during the intensive training camp period is essential for sustained performance across the full NBA schedule. Teams often prioritize non-contact work to allow athletes to regain conditioning without risking further aggravation of minor ailments.
What happens next
The Orlando Magic are scheduled to play their preseason opener against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 7, 2026.
Further reading
Find more updates on the roster throughout the season in the Orlando Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ClutchPoints.
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Should the Orlando Magic prioritize long-term health over immediate availability for injured players?
