Magic's Wendell Carter: Won't return Sunday

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. will not return Sunday against the Boston Celtics due to a right plantar fascia strain.

The team announced the news Saturday night following an MRI on Carter's foot. The 23-year-old suffered the injury in the second quarter of Friday night's win over the Washington Wizards. He finished the game with 12 points and 10 rebounds in 26 minutes. Carter has been a key part of the Magic's success this season, averaging 17.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He has started all 56 games he has played in this season.

The Magic will miss Carter's presence in the paint, but they will have to rely on other players to step up in his absence. Mo Bamba is expected to start in Carter's place, and he will need to provide a similar level of production on both ends of the floor.

The Magic are currently 22-34 on the season and are in 13th place in the Eastern Conference. They will need to win more games down the stretch if they want to make the playoffs.