Nikola Vucevic: Benched in second half of Wednesday's game

Vucevic didn't play in the second half or overtime of Wednesday's 104-101 win over the Timberwolves, finishing the night with eight points (4-13 FG), seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal over 16 minutes.

Analysis:

Vucevic wasn't battling foul trouble and didn't succumb to an injury in the outing. Instead, according to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, coach Scott Skiles said after the game that Vucevic showed "low energy" in the first half, which prompted the center's benching after halftime. During his previous stints in Phoenix, Chicago, and Milwaukee, Skiles was notorious for routinely adjusting his rotations on the fly, with even players of Vucevic's caliber not immune to occasional benchings when they aren't playing particularly well. While Skiles' decision to pull the plug early on Vucevic was undoubtedly frustrating for those who used the center in daily lineups, it's likely just a one-time measure designed to light a fire under Vucevic. Expect him to continue to start for the Magic and regularly play over 30 minutes a night.