Update: Wagner is out for the rest of Wednesday’s game with what the team is calling a sprained ankle. It looks like X-rays were negative, so that’s a great sign for Wagner’s long-term outlook this season. He finishes this game with six points, two rebounds and one assist.
INJURY UPDATE:
Franz Wagner underwent X-rays after leaving the game during the 1st quarter tonight at Sacramento.
X-rays were negative and Wagner has been diagnosed with a sprained right ankle.
He will not return tonight.— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 4, 2024
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner went to the locker room early in Wednesday’s contest against the Sacramento Kings with what is an undisclosed injury at the moment.
Franz Wagner headed to the locker room for the @OrlandoMagic.
— Dan Savage (@Dan_Savage) January 4, 2024
This video suggests Wagner hurt his ankle. He lands awkwardly after attempting to contest a shot from Keegan Murray, and immediately has to sit down due to the pain.
Video of the Franz Wagner injury pic.twitter.com/xoMzif3jPX
— Aaron Bruski (@aaronbruski) January 4, 2024
Wagner has been a huge part of Orlando’s rise this season. The young forward is averaging 21.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game in an important third year. While Wagner’s shooting percentages have fallen off slightly, his overall impact has been better and his defense has improved. Along with Paolo Banchero, he’s considered a core piece for this franchise.
If Wagner is unable to return, look for Banchero and Jonathan Isaac to be absorbing most of the wing minutes for the Magic. Orlando plays a largely untraditional rotation with only one or two true big men, so Wagner’s loss would be huge from that standpoint too. Isaac is also dealing with an injury himself, which means Gary Harris and Anthony Black could see additional time on the wing if Wagner is out for an extended time.