NBA Notes: Magic, Jalen Suggs, Celtics, Jaylen Brown, Heat

Magic

The Magic got some relief and some frustration on Jalen Suggs.

An MRI revealed a Grade one MCL contusion in his right knee, with no structural damage, the team announced. There’s still no timetable, and Suggs has already been ruled out for Sunday vs. Indiana.

Suggs limped off in the third quarter Friday in Chicago after taking contact on a drive. He returned briefly to shoot free throws but wasn’t moving well and was eventually shut down.

It’s another interruption in a season that hasn’t allowed much rhythm.

Suggs has played just 23 of 35 games, but when he’s available, the impact is clear. He owns a team-best plus-10.1 net rating while averaging 15.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists.

Celtics

Celtics wing Jaylen Brown didn’t hide his reaction to Jalen Brunson being named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for December, responding with a simple “Smh.”

Brown said the issue goes beyond one award. He argued that the league’s discourse leans too heavily toward offense and box-score production, often overlooking two-way dominance.

Brown pointed to his ability to guard multiple positions and impact games defensively as well as offensively.

Boston went 9-3 in December, New York 10-4, with the Knicks’ NBA Cup run likely tipping the scales.

Heat

In Miami, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is forcing his way back into the conversation, writes Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.

The Heat reserve leads the league with 530 points off the bench and has teammates openly pushing his Sixth Man of the Year case.

After a step back last season, Jaquez said it took hard work and perspective to get his game back.

For the Heat, the results have been steady production, downhill pressure and a reliable second-unit presence on a nightly basis.