What happened to Wendell Carter Jr.? Looking at Magic center's injury vs. Pelicans in preseason game

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. got injured during their preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Magic played their first preseason game on Monday but couldn't keep up with the Pelicans. The New Orleans protected its home court with a 106-104 win.

Carter had to exit the game in the middle of the third quarter after he contested the jump shot attempt from Daniel Theis. While he did a great job contesting the shot, he landed awkwardly on Theis' foot. Immediately after landing, the Magic big man grabbed his right foot and went down the ground.

According to the team, Carter suffered a right ankle sprain. The timetable for his return is unknown.

The Magic's next game is on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Carter has been vocal about being available for his team this upcoming season. At the start of training camp, the center expressed his goal of wanting to play an 82-game season.

Carter only appeared in 55 games last season. He suffered a hand injury that kept him away from the action. According to reports, he underwent a successful surgery on his hand over the summer.

"I feel good," Carter Jr. said. "[The wrap is] more of a protective thing, you know for them since I've broken it before. They're a lot more aware of it now. But with the hardware that's in there, I think it's going to take a lot more than someone slapping my hand to break it now.

"I feel really good. I've been taking hits on it. It's not bothering me at all."

Also read: Wendell Carter Jr. Trade: Top 5 landing spots for Orlando Magic center amid NBA rumors

---

Wendell Carter Jr. is excited to play with his new teammate

Over the summer, the Magic pursued one of the best veteran players in the league. They signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a three-year, $66 million contract. Experts believe signing the veteran forward was smart and Wendell Carter Jr. agrees.

"In my opinion, probably the biggest offseason move for any team in the NBA," Carter said. "He's a guy who brings experience and three-point shooting. He's been in the playoffs, he's won championships... He's going to make it a lot easier to score the basketball."

KCP has won titles twice in his career. The Magic expect him to help their young roster take it to the next level and compete against the Eastern Conference powerhouse teams. The veteran shooter has enough experience to help the team become a threat in the East.

Also read: "I think Dillon Brooks is a great person" - Wendell Carter Jr. optimistic about Brooks' future despite bad reputation