The Phoenix Suns (1-5) are heading into the second half of a back-to-back on Thursday night. 

This contest comes against an Orlando Magic (2-5) team that is struggling nearly as much as Phoenix is.

To Phoenix's advantage, they will be playing game two of seven in a row at home. They will also be facing a Magic team that is short-handed. 

Orlando has five players out for Thursday's game as of Wednesday night's 9:30 P.M. injury report.

Point guard Jalen Suggs and forward Paolo Banchero will both miss this matchup. Suggs is dealing with a right knee contusion/bone bruise, while Banchero is working his way back from a high (right) ankle sprain.

This has potential to serve as a double-edged sword for the Suns. While Banchero is the franchise centerpiece and arguably has the most talent of any player on the Magic's roster, his fit alongside Franz Wagner has drawn scrutiny in recent weeks.

Suggs being out is a massive blow for Orlando, as the 2021 lottery pick drives a perimeter defense that is typically excellent. Anthony Black has been strong in an expanding role, but the depth on this roster isn't quite trustworthy. 

Despite this, Orlando remains a very physical team that is challenging to consistently generate clean looks on.

The Suns were without Rasheer Fleming and Jordan Goodwin in Wednesday night's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Goodwin (calf) was a game-time call, but the nature of his injury is something to monitor. A Phoenix defense that already ranks among the worst in the NBA thus far was even more stressed on Wednesday night, ceding 132 points in the process.

Goodwin's instincts, ability to play a versatile brand of defense, and elevated shotmaking ability make him an incredible valuable piece of Jordan Ott's rotation. Fleming isn't quite in the rotation at the moment, but the second-year forward being available is still ideal for the Suns. 

One other area to monitor is the status of Devin Booker. Booker left the game against Portland in the third quarter with an upper-body injury, just to return in the fourth quarter. While it's likely the 12th-year guard will be good to go, keeping an eye on the injury report as the day progresses might be of best interest to Suns fans.

Suns-Magic is slating to tip-off shortly after 7:00 P.M. MST from Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.