The Orlando Magic face a significant setback as Franz Wagner is sidelined with a torn right oblique, mirroring the injury that previously kept All-Star forward Paolo Banchero off the court.
This latest injury poses a serious challenge for the team, which had just begun to find its rhythm without Banchero.
Wagner’s absence is a crushing blow for the Magic as they prepare for the NBA Cup quarterfinals. The team will now have to navigate these crucial games without their second-leading scorer for at least four weeks, if not longer.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Magic confirmed, “Wagner will be out indefinitely and his return to play will depend on how he responds to treatment. He will be re-evaluated in four weeks.”
Wagner suffered the injury during a recent loss against the Philadelphia 76ers. He had been a key player for the Magic, starting in all 25 games this season and contributing significantly to the team’s impressive 16-9 record.
Since Banchero’s injury in late October, Wagner has emerged as the Magic’s standout performer, averaging 26.1 points, 6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists over the last 20 games, guiding the team to a 13-7 record during that period.
His stellar performance had many believing he was on track for his first All-Star selection, and he was also a frontrunner for the league’s Most Improved Player award.
Earlier this week, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley expressed his confidence in Wagner, declaring, “All-Star,” as he approached the player amidst a group of reporters.
However, with Wagner’s injury, those aspirations now hang in the balance. The timeline for his recovery remains uncertain, and if it parallels Banchero’s, he may struggle to meet the NBA’s requirement of appearing in at least 65 games to qualify for end-of-season awards.
As the Magic prepare to host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, Banchero is set to miss his 21st game of the season, though there is hope he may return by the end of the month.
