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BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 15: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic dribbles during the third quarter of the NBA Match between Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic at Uber Arena on January 15, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic have had a lot of different injuries to deal with this season. Just like in the past few years, Orlando has struggled to stay healthy. This season, they have had Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Mo Wagner miss significant time.
Franz Wagner has also missed a significant amount of time. He has played in just 28 games this season. Right now, he is missing time due to a high left ankle sprain. The hope was to have him back soon after the All-Star break. Right now, Orlando sits seventh in the Eastern Conference.
Wagner recently underwent another scan on his ankle, and it looks like he is going to miss more time.
GettyOrlando Magic forward Franz Wagner reacts in a game. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Magic Forward Franz Wagner Out Indefinitely
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Wagner is out indefinitely with the ankle sprain. He underwent another scan, and he will miss at least three more weeks. He is widely seen as the Magic’s best player, and Orlando has struggled without him.
Right now, the Magic have the 19th-ranked offense in the league. The addition of Desmond Bane was supposed to help open the floor up and increase their offensive production. Instead, they have gone backwards, and injuries have played a large part in it.
In the past three seasons, the Magic have had Wagner, Banchero, and Suggs on the floor at the same time in just 19 games. That has neutered any shot of Orlando making a leap into a real contender. The defense has regressed from a year ago, as well.
Wagner’s scoring has dropped from a year ago, but his 3-point shooting has massively increased. Without his ability to score at all three levels, Orlando has struggled. With him missing at least three more weeks, the Magic are at a massive risk of falling into the play-in.
GettyOrlando Magic forward Franz Wagner dribbles the ball. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic Are Struggling to Contend
Without an improved offense, Orlando’s defensive regression has caused them real issues. So far this season, they hold the 14th-best defense in the NBA. Without their three best players playing on the court at the same time, there is very little chance they will be able to advance in the playoffs.
With the amount of draft capital the Magic gave to the Grizzlies in exchange for Bane, this season has been a failure up to this point. Orlando has to make it to the Eastern Conference semi-finals in order for this trade to have been worth it. Bane has been their best offensive player this year.
The Magic might have to pivot to next season if these injuries continue to pile up. Wagner will need time to get back up to speed once he is cleared to play, also. That means that Orlando is going to have to manufacture offense in the next three weeks that will be better than what they have done so far.
Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano
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