Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner exited the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and immediately went to the locker room with an apparent left leg injury.
Wagner grabbed his knee after making a stop on a fastbreak and the play went on for the other end. There wasn’t a large reaction from the Kia Center crowd, but the injury could range from anywhere to a knee bump to something that could keep him out for the playoffs and beyond.
Wagner returned to the bench in the third quarter, pedalling on the stationary bike, which is a sign that his injury isn’t too serious. He ultimately returned to the court later in the game.
Wagner has been ramping up his activity after being out for several months with a high ankle sprain. This is his fourth game back from injury after having played against the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans. Wagner did not play against the Detroit Pistons, which was the second night of a back-to-back.
The Magic have played most of the season without Wagner, who played in just his 32nd game against the Wolves, so they know how to play without him, but that doesn’t make it any better.
While Jamahl Mosley’s squad has shown incredible resilience, leaning heavily on Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane, the numbers show a clear dip in offensive efficiency when Wagner is on the sidelines.
Without his ability to slash to the rim and create for others, the Magic offense can get stagnant, especially in the halfcourt. If this injury ranges toward the more severe end of the spectrum, Orlando will have to rely on increased production from Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner to fill the scoring void.
What’s Next For Magic?
The severity of the injury remains unknown, with possibilities ranging from a minor “knee knock” or bone bruise to a more structural issue that could jeopardize his availability for the upcoming postseason. The team is expected to be very cautious with him in the final two games of the regular season.
His status is likely up in the air for Friday against the Chicago Bulls or Sunday in the regular season finale against the Boston Celtics. Both games are extremely important for the Magic’s playoff hopes.
Fans can watch the remainder of the game between the Timberwolves and Magic on FanDuel Sports Network or stream it on NBA League Pass.
