Orlando Magic’s Franz Wagner Nears Return After 20-Game Absence

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner has been upgraded to questionable for Thursday night’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, marking his first potential return since suffering a torn right oblique on Dec. 6. Wagner has missed 20 consecutive games, including 16 due to the injury and the last four for reconditioning.

Before the injury, Wagner was averaging 24.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, playing a pivotal role in the Magic’s 13-7 record during All-Star teammate Paolo Banchero‘s absence. Banchero recently returned after a 10-week hiatus, and Wagner’s comeback could provide a much-needed boost to the struggling Magic, who have lost four straight games and slipped to eighth in the Eastern Conference.

“Being able to get on the floor, do some conditioning, and getting a little bit more bumps with guys on the floor with him,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said Sunday. “He was able to do some stuff [Saturday] as well as [Sunday], and I think it’s just going to see how he responds to those two episodes.”

Wagner’s potential return comes as the Magic face mounting injuries. Jalen Suggs remains out with a low back strain, and Moe Wagner, Franz’s brother, is sidelined for the season after undergoing ACL surgery. Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac, Gary Harris, and Jett Howard are also listed as questionable, while Goga Bitadze is doubtful with a concussion.

The Magic’s injury woes have taken a toll on their performance. Since Wagner’s injury, the team has gone 7-13, struggling to maintain consistency. “As a team, we’ve dealt with a lot of adversity over the years,” Banchero said. “We always find a way to make it out, and I’m sure this won’t be any different.”

Orlando’s upcoming schedule includes critical matchups against Portland, Detroit, and Miami, with Wagner’s return potentially providing a spark. The Magic hope to replicate past comebacks, such as their 29-24 run during Banchero’s rookie season and their 13-3 surge last year after a midseason slump.

“You want to come away with the win – don’t get it confused – but there’s got to be a lesson in this loss,” Mosley said. “Once we get bodies back, that will be a big change.”