Magic’s Franz Wagner sidelined indefinitely due to ankle discomfort
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner will be out for an undetermined period following recent evaluations that indicated he needs more time and rehabilitation due to discomfort from his left high ankle sprain, sources informed ESPN on Wednesday.
The Magic plan to reassess Wagner’s condition in three weeks, according to sources.
Wagner has been absent for 25 of the Magic’s last 29 games since he suffered the high ankle sprain on December 7 against the New York Knicks, and he has not participated in more than two consecutive games since the initial injury.
This setback adds to the ongoing injury challenges faced by the Magic. Over the past season and the current one, Orlando’s trio of Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Jalen Suggs have appeared in only 14.1% of games (19 out of 135).
In 28 games this season, Wagner is posting averages of 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. The Magic average 117.2 points per game with him on the court, compared to just 112.7 when he is absent.
The Magic, currently holding a 28-25 record for the season, are 16-12 with Wagner in the lineup this year, and 12-13 without him, as reported by ESPN Research. The 25 games missed this season represent a career high for Wagner.
The Magic will resume play after the All-Star break on Thursday night against the Kings in Sacramento. Following that, they will take on the Phoenix Suns, LA Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers, all on the road, before returning home for a four-game homestand in Orlando.
