The Orlando Magic are on the cusp of what will be an important 2026-27 season, and the injury bug has already made its mark.

According to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, forward Noah Penda suffered a partially torn right hamstring, which is going to derail the beginning of what was looking to be a promising sophomore season. On Friday, Penda was one of three players to exit Orlando’s final preseason contest against the Miami Heat.

Penda left the game with what was believed to be just right hamstring tightness, but the tear was later revealed. After Sunday’s practice, Penda discussed how the injury felt, saying it was like a significant cramp that encompassed the entirety of his leg.

Penda tweaked the same hamstring before the Magic began training camp, and while he said Friday’s injury felt similar, he could tell the pain was in a different area. At this point, he said he is sore, and he has to take it day by day.

Last season, Penda averaged 3.8 points in 59 games played, two of which were starts. He had a good summer league, and it was evident that he was trying to improve upon what he learned as a rookie. Now, Orlando must wait to have his services.

Joining Penda in exiting Friday’s game early was forward Franz Wagner, who ended up gripping his right shoulder after a 3-point attempt and leaving afterward.

According to Magic coach Sean Sweeney, the team will continue to evaluate Wagner’s shoulder, and he was able to do some light work in Sunday’s practice. Sweeney was fairly conservative in discussing Wagner’s injury, and he simply said the team is waiting to learn more.

Wagner’s absence, however long it ends up being, would prove to be the most significant. Last season, Wagner was limited to just 34 regular-season games due to issues stemming from a high ankle sprain suffered in December.

The nail in the coffin came when Wagner suffered a calf strain in the Magic’s Game 4 win over the Detroit Pistons in Game 4 of last season’s first-round playoff series. Wagner dedicated himself to recovery over the summer, and the goal was to have a healthy season. 

So far, it is not off to a good start.

Finally, Jase Richardson was forced out of Orlando’s win over the Heat with lower back soreness. With depth thinning, the Magic need to bring guard Anthony Black back into the fold.

Black was unable to participate in the preseason due to a minor ankle sprain he suffered during voluntary workouts leading up to training camp, but Sweeney said Black participated well in Sunday’s practice, and he continues to ramp up his workload.

Black is also at an impasse with the Magic over a contract extension, which may further complicate things. After the 2026-27 season, he will become a restricted free agent unless a deal is reached.

Black demonstrated great improvement last season when he elevated his scoring average to 15 points per game. He was a bright spot off an otherwise unproductive bench, and Orlando could really use his contributions right now.