The Orlando Magic's preseason momentum was dampened by a significant injury to second-year forward Noah Penda, who suffered a partial tear in his right hamstring. The injury occurred in the team's final preseason game, a 136-115 win over the Miami Heat on October 16, and leaves Penda without a timeline to return.
Penda played just two minutes against the Heat before exiting with the new injury. This comes after he missed the start of the preseason with a separate right hamstring issue that had fully healed. According to a team reporter, this is a different part of the hamstring. The diagnosis of a partial tear was confirmed, and Penda has begun treatment. His return will depend entirely on his response to that rehab process.
This is a tough break for a player who showed considerable development. During the 2026 NBA Summer League, Penda averaged 15.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.7 blocks over three games. Observers noted he looked more refined and focused heading into his sophomore campaign, primed for a real role.
Head coach Sean Sweeney was counting on Penda to be an important piece off the bench. His versatile two-way potential and shooting touch offered a different look. With Penda now out indefinitely, the Magic's frontcourt rotation takes an immediate hit. The team is already managing other injuries, including to Anthony Black, Jonathan Isaac and Izaiyah Nelson.
This puts pressure on other reserves to step up. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero will anchor the starting lineup, but the bench minutes are up for grabs. The Magic's preseason, which also included a 132-116 win over Cleveland and a 122-118 victory in Memphis, showed offensive firepower. But maintaining that depth is a new challenge.
Tristan da Silva is the most likely candidate to absorb the bulk of Penda's minutes as a backup forward. Da Silva provides valuable floor spacing, which is key for Orlando's offensive flow. Another name in the mix is Jamal Cain, whose energy and athleticism could earn him a larger opportunity.
The team must find answers quickly. Their 2026-27 NBA season begins at home on October 21 against the Atlanta Hawks at the Kia Center. How Sweeney manages his rotation from opening night onward will be critical, especially with a cluster of injuries testing the squad's resilience early.
Penda's absence is a setback for both player and team. His progress was a bright spot, and the Magic will need others to replicate his anticipated production. The focus shifts to rehabilitation for Penda and adaptation for the rest of the roster as the real games begin.
