Orlando Magic Star Wagner Faces Possible Absence After Injury

Orlando Magic star Franz Wagner could miss time after being diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, the team announced Monday. 

An MRI on Monday showed no structural damage to Wagner’s leg, according to ESPN reporters Shams Charania and Ohm Youngmisuk. While the team did not provide a timetable for his return, the news offers some relief following his exit from Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks. 

Wagner sustained the injury after being fouled on an alley-oop attempt during a fast break. His left leg appeared to buckle on landing, leaving him on the floor in visible pain before he was helped off the court. 

The forward has been a key contributor for the Magic, who entered Sunday’s game with a 14–9 record. Wagner leads the team with 23.4 points per game, while adding 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals. His production has been especially important as the team managed the recent absence of star forward Paolo Banchero, who missed 10 games with a groin injury before returning. 

Losing Wagner would be a significant setback for Orlando, which had hoped to build on back-to-back playoff appearances. With the Eastern Conference considered wide open this season, the Magic had an opportunity to make a postseason push. 

The team will be hoping Wagner’s injury does not sideline him for an extended period.