Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu out for 3 weeks – NBA update
Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu will be missing the rest of the regular season due to fractured bone cheek. It has been learnt that the Turkish native will have to undergo a surgery for his facial injury that will keep him off the court for a minimum
of 3 weeks.
He suffered the gruesome injury on Thursday night during the match against New York Knicks. He received the fracture after taking an inadvertent elbow from Carmelo Anthony during the 2nd frame. Magic lost the match 96-80 to Knicks. He had to receive
three stitches to close the wound and didn’t return to the game afterwards.
"There’s some fractures,” Turkoglu said. “I didn’t think it would be this bad.”
The 6’10’’ towering player has been averaging 10.7 points, 4.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds in this season, while he started all 52 games he played for Magic so far.
Though injuries have not been on the top of worries list for Magic but they have been dealing with certain other issues. Coach Van Gundy status is on the top of list. He has been experiencing adverse interpersonal relations with Dwight Howard and is on the
verge of being fired or leaving Magic on his own after this season.
Magic are on the 6th playoff spot in the Eastern conference with 32 wins and 23 loses and Howard has been the wind beneath their wings but it will be difficult to rely upon him entirely in the post season games. Magic will be requiring a 100%
from all of the team and especially Turkoglu; he is an essential part of their offense.
The 33 years old started his professional NBA career in 2000 with Sacramento Kings, he was the 16th overall pick in 2000 NBA draft. He then went on to play for San Antonio Spurs in 2003 offseason after a 3 team trade. Finally in 2004 he boarded
Magic wagon and has been a phenomenal support for the team. Scoring 39 points twice, once in 2007 against Toronto Raptors and then on 2008 against Washington Wizards. Due to his stupendous role he was given the NBA most improved player award in 2008.
In July 2009 the forward was traded to Toronto Raptors and then in 2010 he boarded Phoenix Suns. Finally on 18th December 2010 he was traded back to Magic.
Orlando will be striving to avoid their 6th straight loss on Saturday without their forward.
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