Franz Wagner exited Sunday’s matchup between the Magic and the Knicks in the first quarter with what looked like a bad leg injury on an awkward fall. Thankfully for Magic fans, the forward’s diagnosis is much better than expected, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting Monday that Wagner suffered a high left ankle sprain that could sideline him for 2-4 weeks.
Wagner is off to a great start this season, averaging 22.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field and handling a 25% usage rate. Tristan da Silva started the second half in place of Wagner on Sunday, but he went scoreless in his 17 minutes of work. That being said, da Silva has had some strong moments this season and he should be a regular starter for the Magic until Wagner returns.
Paolo Banchero just returned from a 10-game absence due to a groin injury this past Friday night and he has been limited in his first two starts back, but the Duke product is going to be asked to do a ton with Wagner sidelined. With Wagner off the court this season, Banchero leads the Magic with a 32.2% usage rate, which is a 4.8 percentage point increase from his average. Both Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane will also garner expanded roles, as with Wagner off the floor this season, Suggs and Bane are handling 31.6% and 29.6% usage rates, respectively.
Orlando is just 8-14 with Wagner inactive the last two seasons and up next for the club is an NBA Cup Quarterfinal matchup vs. the Heat on Tuesday. With Wagner sidelined, the Magic are a 1.5-point underdog for this contest on DraftKings Sportsbook.
