Magic manage Anthony Black ankle sprain and Noah Penda hamstring issue

October 7: Anthony Black (right ankle sprain) and Noah Penda (right hamstring strain) missed Orlando’s opener.

October 4 update: Sean Sweeney said Anthony Black and Noah Penda were able to get into practice and do more work as their workloads ramped up. He said both told him they felt great afterward. The comments describe progress in practice, without establishing unrestricted contact clearance or availability for a preseason game.

October 2 update: Anthony Black has progressed to full-speed non-contact work, coach Sean Sweeney said Friday, according to Jason Beede. In a separate update, Beede reported that Sweeney described Noah Penda as being at the same stage and said both players were close to returning. The update does not confirm contact clearance or availability for a preseason game.

Orlando is taking a cautious approach with Anthony Black and Noah Penda in training camp after separate injuries disrupted their preparation.

Black is day-to-day with a minor ankle sprain sustained during voluntary workouts before camp, coach Sean Sweeney said Wednesday, as reported by Jason Beede. Sweeney did not specify which ankle was injured. Penda is dealing with a tweaked hamstring.

According to Beede, both players were present during the portion of Wednesday’s practice open to reporters, helping teammates by passing and rebounding during shooting work. That participation should not be confused with a return to unrestricted practice.

October 1 update: Anthony Black and Noah Penda watched from the sidelines during Thursday’s media-viewing period, Jason Beede reported. That observation covers only the open portion of practice and does not establish what either player did in closed sessions.

Managing two daily sessions

Sweeney said Orlando is limiting their workload because the team is practicing twice a day. The schedule separates contact work from a non-contact session as the new staff installs its approach.

Black enters his fourth season after averaging 15 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 64 games last season. No firm return date was given for either player.

The Magic’s announced preseason schedule began Oct. 7 at Memphis. They visit Cleveland on Oct. 11 before hosting the Cavaliers on Oct. 13 and Miami on Oct. 16.

Video below: Jason Beede’s September 30 practice footage.