Franz Wagner Diagnosed with Ankle Injury
In a disappointing turn of events for the Orlando Magic, forward Franz Wagner has been diagnosed with a left high ankle sprain, after undergoing an MRI on Monday. This injury occurred during the first quarter of Sunday’s matchup against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, as Wagner was attempting to make a play during a fast break.
A collision involving New York’s Ariel Hukporti resulted in Wagner falling awkwardly, causing him to clutch his left knee in visible pain before being assisted off the court, accompanied by his brother Moe Wagner and another player.
Recovery Timeline and Impact
While the team has not specified a timeline for his recovery, reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania suggest that Wagner could be sidelined for 2 to 4 weeks. This estimate aligns with findings from injury analyst Jeff Stotts, who notes that players typically miss around 10 games after a high ankle sprain, though recovery times can vary.
Wagner’s absence will be felt as he has been performing at an All-Star level this season, contributing an average of 23.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, alongside a 35.4% shooting rate from beyond the arc. His injury strikes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the return of rookie sensation Paolo Banchero from his own groin strain.
Upcoming Games
The Magic will play without Wagner on Tuesday as they prepare to face the Miami Heat in an NBA Cup quarterfinal, a critical game that could lead to a trip to Las Vegas.
