Franz Wagner will return from a hair injury against the Blazers
The Orlando Magic (23-22) will have Franz Wagner on the pitch and available to play in Thursday night’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers (15-28) after recently being promoted to questionable on the team’s injury report.
Wagner was sidelined after suffering a torn fibula during the Magic’s 102-94 loss Philadelphia to the 76ers. In that game, he showed an excellent performance with 30 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Before the injury, Wagner was having the best season of his career, averaging 24.4 points, 5.7 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 46.5% from the field in 25 games.
The Magic aim to end their losing streak with the return of Franz Wagner against the Blazers
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Wagner’s return comes as the Magic look to bounce back from a 109-93 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. In the loss, All-Star forward Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 26 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a block. Despite Buncher’s recent strong performances, the Magic have dropped four straight games, slipping from fifth to eighth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Since Buncher’s return from a torn right oblique earlier this monthaveraged 22.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 44.2% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range in six games. However, the team has struggled to convert his efforts into wins, highlighting the need for Wagner to return to bolster both ends of the court.
Thursday’s game against the Trail Blazers marks the start of a home doubleheader for Orlando at the KIA Center. Facing a Portland team near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Magic have a chance to stop their losing streak and regain some momentum as they aim to climb into a hotly contested Eastern Conference playoff race.
Wagner’s upgraded status provides hope that the Magic’s roster is nearing full strength. His availability is a critical factor as the team looks to solidify its playoff position during the second half of the season.
2025-01-23 15:46:00
