Howard (ankle) is questionable to return to Friday's game against the Bucks, Dan Savage of the Magic's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard sprained his left ankle late in the third quarter, and after limping to the bench he eventually went to the locker room. Caleb Houstan would be in line to absorb Howard's minutes if the latter is unable to return to Friday's game.

Howard ended with 10 points (4-11 FG, 2-9 3Pt), eight rebounds and four assists across 23 minutes during Thursday's 104-89 loss to the Timberwolves.

EDGE Analysis

Howard has stepped up with more minutes on the floor for the Magic. The 21-year-old has played well in the last three games, scoring 40 points combined with 11 rebounds and eight assists during that span. However, Howard's playing time will likely take a hit soon, as Paolo Banchero (oblique) is nearing a return to game action.

Howard registered 21 points (7-16 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 3-3 FT), two rebounds and four assists in 25 minutes during Sunday's 105-92 loss to the Jazz.

EDGE Analysis

Howard scored in double digits for the first time this season, but it was the first time in his career he surpassed the 20-point plateau. Howard might be in line to see more minutes while the Magic remain depleted, but he'll have to prove Sunday's outing wasn't an outlier.

Howard totaled zero points (0-3 FG, 0-3 3Pt), one rebound and one assist over 12 minutes during Sunday's 102-101 win over the Nets.

EDGE Analysis

Howard reached double-digit minutes for the first time since Dec. 21 after Jalen Suggs left the game early with a wrist sprain, but he couldn't take advantage of his newfound minutes. Howard has scored a combined four points in his last three outings and is off the fantasy radar in most formats.

Howard finished Tuesday's 114-109 loss to Milwaukee with 10 points (3-7 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT) and one assist across 12 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Howard scored double-digits for just the fourth time this season, a campaign which has thus far failed to produce too many highlights. Even with Orlando's two best players sidelined, Howard has been unable to step into a consistent role. The Magic are in a tough position, being a team that wants to develop their young players but also wants to win as many games as possible.

Howard provided eight points (3-6 FG, 2-4 3Pt), two rebounds and one steal over 16 minutes during Friday's 123-100 win over the Nets.

EDGE Analysis

Howard continues to play a limited role off the bench, having exceeded 20 minutes only once this season. Although he is supposedly one of the better perimeter threats on this Magic roster, they are doing just fine with him playing a minimal role. At this point, it appears he will struggle to feature prominently as long as the roster is relatively healthy.

Howard closed Saturday's 124-111 loss to the Grizzlies with 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-5 3Pt) and two rebounds over 12 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

The 21-year-old was impressive in his limited run off the bench while serving as Franz Wagner's primary backup. Howard likely won't be a relevant option in fantasy formats, though his play Saturday could lead to an uptick in playing time alongside Anthony Black and Cole Anthony in the second unit.

Howard logged 19 points (6-10 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), three assists and two steals across 29 minutes of Wednesday's 107-97 preseason loss to the Spurs.

EDGE Analysis

Orlando gave Howard an extended look Wednesday, and he delivered a game-high 19 points on 60 percent shooting. Howard spent most of the 2023 campaign in the G League, appearing in merely 18 NBA games and averaging 3.7 minutes per contest. Not many opportunities have opened for Howard entering Year 2, but he could push for a spot in the rotation if he continues to perform well.

Howard is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's preseason game against San Antonio.

EDGE Analysis

Howard delivered five points (2-8 FG) and three rebounds in 12 minutes during Orlando's preseason opener, so the second-year swingman will look to build on that performance. He is joined by Jalen Suggs in Orlando's starting backcourt Wednesday.

Orlando exercised its third-year team option for the 2025-26 season on Howard's contract Friday, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard will likely return to the Magic next year after the club extended him for his third season. The 21-year-old rarely saw the floor in his rookie season, during which he averaged 1.6 points across 3.7 minutes per game in 18 regular-season appearances. Howard will likely struggle to find consistent minutes once again, buried behind Anthony Black, Caleb Houstan and Gary Harris on the bench.