Wendell Carter Jr. Injury Status Update for March 19th, 2026

Wendell Carter Jr. of the Magic has been ruled out and will not play today. Wendell was previously listed as Available before being officially ruled out.
This will be the 4th game Wendell has missed this season.
Wendell Carter Jr. Season Averages
Wendell's absence leaves a significant hole in the Magic rotation. Across 60 games this season, he's averaging 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while playing 29.4 minutes per night.
| MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FGA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29.4 | 11.5 | 7.5 | 2.1 | 8.2 |
Magic Performance With & Without Wendell Carter Jr.
The numbers tell a clear story about Wendell's value to the Magic. With Wendell in the lineup this season, the team is 33-27. Without him, they've gone 2-1. The Magic's net rating is 4.1 points better per 100 possessions when Wendell plays, which is a substantial gap. Offensively, the team scores at a significantly higher rate with him on the floor (113.3 vs 130.8 offensive rating).
| With | Without | Diff | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Record | 33-27 | 2-1 | — |
| Off Rating | 113.3 | 130.8 | +17.5 |
| Def Rating | 112.2 | 125.6 | +13.4 |
| Net Rating | 1.0 | 5.2 | +4.1 |
| PPG | 114.5 | 127.7 | +13.2 |
Which Teammates Benefit Without Wendell Carter Jr.?
When Wendell sits, other Magic players see increased opportunities. Based on this season's data, Jett Howard and Goga Bitadze stand to benefit the most from his absence.
When Wendell has been out this season, Jett Howard has averaged 16.6 more points per game, 10.6 additional field goal attempts, 9.8 extra minutes and 2.6 more rebounds.
PPG: +16.6 | FGA: +10.6 | MPG: +9.8 | RPG: +2.6
When Wendell has been out this season, Goga Bitadze has averaged 5.8 more points per game, 3.1 additional field goal attempts, 11.8 extra minutes and 4.7 more rebounds.
PPG: +5.8 | FGA: +3.1 | MPG: +11.8 | RPG: +4.7
Full Injury Report — Wendell Carter Jr.'s Game
Here's the complete injury report for tonight's game. Both teams have key players dealing with various ailments heading into this one:
Magic @ Hornets - March 19, 2026 Orlando Magic: Franz Wagner (Out)
We'll continue to monitor Wendell's status and provide updates as they become available. Check back for the latest injury news and lineup updates for the Magic.