ATLANTA (AP) - Orlando leading scorer Aaron Gordon will miss the game against the Hawks because of a concussion, further draining the short-handed Magic.
The 6-foot-9 Gordon, averaging 18.5 points per game, was injured Friday as the Magic lost to Denver. Mario Hezonja will start in Gordon’s spot Saturday night.
The Magic might also be missing backup point guard D.J. Augustin, who has a bruised thigh. Orlando is already without guard Evan Fournier (sprained ankle), a guard averaging 18.3 points, guard/forward Terrence Ross (sprained knee, leg fracture) and rookie forward Jonathan Isaac (sprained ankle).
Orlando called up third-year forward Adrien Payne from their G-League affiliate in Lakeland, Florida.
Coach Frank Vogel said he couldn’t recall being so depleted for a game. “All at once?” he said. “Probably not.”
The Magic had significant travel problems coming from Orlando, as they were unable to fly out Friday night because the airport in Atlanta was snowed in. The team’s flight was delayed again Saturday morning, the team had problems with their bus upon arriving, and then Vogel’s hotel key didn’t work.
The Orlando coach said it was a tough day.
“It was one of those days,” Vogel said. Hopefully, it’s not one of those nights.”
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