The Orlando Magic have dealt with some injuries to their best players over the last couple of years. Paolo Banchero was hurt last year, missing 36 games. Now, Banchero is hurt again. Frankly, Orlando has played better without Banchero in the lineup.
Franz Wagner was also hurt last season, missing 20 games. Both players had an oblique injury. With Banchero out, Wagner has had a bigger role in the offense. Unfortunately for the Magic, he went down with an injury against the Knicks after just seven minutes.
Wagner went down with what looked like a very serious injury. Now, the Magic have learned what Wagner’s injury is and how long he will be out.
GettyFranz Wagner runs down the court. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Orlando Magic to be Without Franz Wagner for 2-4 Weeks
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Wagner has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain. He will be out for 2-4 weeks with the injury, which is good news for the Magic. Charania mentioned that there is no structural damage to his ankle, either.
Wagner has been a much better shooter than he was a year ago, especially from beyond the 3-point arc. His improved efficiency is a big reason why the Magic have been able to turn things around from a poor start. Right now, Orlando is fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.
In fact, Wagner has the highest true shooting percentage of his career. Without him on the floor, the Magic don’t have as many offensive options. Orlando will now have to lean more on Desmond Bane, as he becomes the number-one offensive option.
With the Magic missing both Wagner and Banchero, they are stuck having to manufacture offense with their defense. So far this season, the Magic have the fifth-best defense in the NBA. That is what their calling card was a year ago, without Bane in the lineup.
GettyFranz Wagner drives to the basket. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Magic Get Best-Case Scenario Injury Update on Franz Wagner
This was the best-case scenario for Orlando when it comes to Wagner’s injury. He won’t miss a significant amount of time, and the injury comes around the NBA Cup games. With the schedule so disjointed, they don’t need Wagner in the lineup, anyway.
If Wagner is on the front end of that timeline, he would only miss three games with the way the schedule is set up. Of course, he would miss many more if he were on the later end of that timeline. Orlando will not rush him back under any circumstances.
Keeping both Wagner and Banchero healthy is their top priority in the middle and later part of the season. With them both in the lineup and the addition of Bane at shooting guard, Orlando is a tough out in the NBA playoffs. However, both now have a history of injuries.
Until Wagner returns, the Magic will have to focus on the defensive end of the floor. That will be where games are won for Orlando.
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