Franz Wagner has taken on a significant role for the Orlando Magic following the oblique injury of All-Star forward Paolo Banchero. Unfortunately, Wagner now faces a similar situation as he has also sustained a torn right oblique. This development comes as a considerable setback for a team that had managed to cope with Banchero’s absence and is preparing to compete in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Wagner, who ranks as the team’s second-leading scorer, is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks, though the period could extend further.
The Orlando Magic formally announced Wagner’s condition in a statement on Saturday, noting that he will be evaluated again in four weeks to determine the next steps for his recovery. Wagner’s injury occurred during a defeat against Philadelphia on Friday night. He had been a consistent presence in the lineup, starting in all of the Magic’s first 25 games this season, contributing to the team’s impressive 16-9 record.
In the 20 games since Banchero’s injury in late October, Wagner has emerged as the Magic’s standout player, averaging an impressive 26.1 points, 6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. This performance has been instrumental in the team’s 13-7 record during this stretch, including a remarkable 13-3 record in their last 16 contests. With such strong play, many anticipated that Wagner would earn his first All-Star selection this season, and he was also seen as a frontrunner for the Most Improved Player award.
Earlier this week, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley passionately expressed his belief in Wagner’s potential, referring to him as an All-Star while engaging with the media. However, Wagner’s injury complicates matters significantly. If his recovery timeline mirrors that of Banchero’s ongoing rehabilitation, his odds of being considered for end-of-season accolades—like the Most Improved Player award—may be jeopardized. NBA rules mandate that players must appear in a minimum of 65 games to qualify for such honors.
As for Banchero, he is anticipated to miss his 21st game when the Orlando Magic take on the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. The team still holds onto hope that he might make a return by the end of the month.
