The Magic have shocked the Pistons in the first round, leading the series 3-1. Orlando has a chance to close out Detroit in Game 5 on Wednesday, but the Magic may be without Franz Wagner. The wing exited Game 4 with calf tightness and ESPN’s Shams Charania is reporting that Wagner has been diagnosed with a right calf strain and that his availability for Game 5 is “uncertain.”
The Magic were able to secure the win in Game 4 despite Wagner missing most of the second half, but not having the forward for Game 5 or further would be a big loss for Orlando. So far in this series vs. the Pistons, Wagner is averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, and he leads the Magic in plus/minus.
With Wagner off the floor, Detroit is outscoring Orlando by 9.9 points per 100 possessions. If Wagner is out for Game 5, Tristan da Silva would be the top candidate to start, and both Anthony Black and Jamal Cain would see increased playing time.
With Wagner inactive this season, the Magic are 25-23. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Orlando is a 9.5-point underdog for Wednesday’s Game 5 in Detroit, but holding a commanding 3-1 lead in this series, the Magic are a -255 favorite to win this best-of-seven.
