Orlando Magic forward/guard Evan Fournier has been ruled out for Friday night's game at Minnesota due to a hyper-extended right elbow. Coach Steve Clifford said Fournier will be evaluated "day-to-day," and his absence could extend to multiple games.
"It's really swollen and I think what we're saying is day-to-day. It will depend on how it responds to treatment," Cliffford said. "As a layman, I would say it could be a little bit."
Fournier did not participate in the team's shoot-around at the Target Center on Friday and he said he was still in a bit of pain following the incident. He injured his elbow during Wednesday's 116-113 loss at Miami.
"It's a tough one because it's my right elbow," Fournier said. "If it was my left one, I think I could probably play through it. The fact that it's my right elbow and I have to pass shoot, dribble, everything ... that motion is just painful. I'm just taking it day-by-day and hopefully I can get my motion back as soon as possible."
He injured the elbow when he dove for a loose ball against the Heat, and he was able to somehow finish the game.
"That was really painful. I honestly thought I completely messed up my elbow," Fournier said. "I thought it was dislocated. I kind of went sideways. It's like an MCL for like a knee, the same type of injury for an elbow."
The Magic have been hit with numerous injuries to their core group of starters this season, but Fournier had dodged the injury trend. Heading into Thursday's game, he has missed just one contest this season due to illness.
Fournier said it's difficult to sit out.
"Especially the time of it and the fact that it's the first game of this road trip," Fournier said. "Yeah, it's a tough thing, obviously."
Clifford said there are many aspects of Fournier's game the team will miss. He is averaging 19 points, three rebounds and three assists during about 32 minutes per game.
"All of it," Clifford said of what the team will miss.
Wes Iwundu will start in Fournier's spot. "His scoring, he guards primary scorers, his competitive spirit ... we're gonna miss him in every aspect of the game."
