Magic's Anthony Black suffers low back strain in win over Timberwolves

Head coach Jamahl Mosley provides update on the third-year guard's injury status

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Orlando Magic secured a decisive 119-92 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, but the game included a brief injury scare involving guard Anthony Black. Black exited the contest early after playing just two minutes, with the team later ruling him out for the remainder of the game due to a 'low back strain'. Following the win, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley provided an update on Black's status, indicating the injury may have occurred during a drive to the basket when Black's shoulder was grabbed.

Why it matters

Anthony Black has been a key component of the Magic's push toward the playoffs in the Eastern Conference this season, averaging a career-high 15.5 points per game. Any extended absence due to injury could impact Orlando's postseason positioning, as the team is currently tied for the sixth seed and just one game behind the fifth-place Toronto Raptors.

The details

Black recorded one rebound and one steal in his brief two-minute appearance before exiting the game. Mosley suggested the injury may have occurred when Black went to the basket and had his shoulder grabbed, though the team will await further evaluation. Black had recently returned from a quad injury that caused him to miss two games earlier in the week.

  • Black exited the game early in the contest after playing just two minutes.
  • The Magic later ruled Black out for the remainder of the game with a 'low back strain'.

The players

Anthony Black

A third-year guard for the Orlando Magic who is enjoying the most productive season of his young career, averaging a career-high 15.5 points per game.

Jamahl Mosley

The head coach of the Orlando Magic.

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What they’re saying

“I think when he went to the basket, I think he got his shoulder grabbed on that play where they did call the foul. I just think it might've jarred a little differently. He'll get checked out and we'll see how he is moving forward.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Head Coach (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Magic will likely monitor Black's condition closely ahead of their matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night, as the team awaits further evaluation of the low back strain injury.

The takeaway

This injury scare for Anthony Black comes at a critical time for the Magic as they continue their push toward the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. The team will need to ensure Black's health is prioritized, as his continued development and production have been key factors in Orlando's success this season.