Fournier returning in time to experience Mexico City
Orlando Magic guard/forward Evan Fournier, who did not travel with the team to Dallas earlier this week, is expected to be back on the floor when the Magic face the Chicago Bulls in Mexico City.
The 6-foot-7 Fournier, who is averaging 15.1 points, three rebounds and four assists, was excused to be away from the team in order to deal with a personal issue. He was en route from Orlando on Wednesday to the NBA Mexico City Games 2018.
The Magic will face the Bulls (6-22) at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night and the Utah Jazz (13-15) on Saturday at 4 at Arena de Ciudad Mexico.
The Magic (12-15) could, however, be without forward Jonathon Simmons, who has started the past two games. Simmons suffered a mild ankle sprain during Wednesday’s practice and is currently listed as questionable.
Orlando is hoping to use the Mexico City tour as an opportunity to bond and get back on track after suffering consecutive losses to the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks.
The Bulls also see the Mexico City trip as a chance to get out of the NBA cellar, calling it a “family business trip.”
The games will feature community-service events and an appearance by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
“It’s a really unique and cool place,” Bulls coach Jim Boylen told the Chicago Tribune. “I told the team that just the trip down there, it’s like 20 million people live in that city.
“Just flying in there is an experience when you look out your window. When [flight attendants] hit the bell for the 20-minute [descent], you’re flying over the city. Then you land and you’re still in the city. We don’t have many cities like that here [in the United States].
“I told them to look out their window and absorb the culture. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world. There’s a lot of history there. It’s a real cool place. [The] food will be great, and hopefully we can play some hoops.”