The Orlando Magic finally snapped their losing streak with a win over the Sacramento Kings, providing a much-needed boost in a challenging stretch. Injuries have been a significant hurdle, especially with Franz Wagner sidelined for the 20th consecutive game due to a high ankle sprain.
Wagner's recovery has been slow but steady. He’s now practicing with contact and recently joined the G League team for a session, signaling progress.
However, the timeline for his return remains uncertain. Head coach Jahmal Mosley emphasized flexibility regarding Wagner’s return, stating, “If he’s available, he’s playing.”
Wagner himself expressed the frustrations of his rehab journey. “Going into it, I was kind of expecting to feel really good within like 4-6 weeks of the injury,” he shared.
“And obviously that wasn’t how I felt. So, I think that’s always frustrating probably not just for me (but) for everybody involved.”
The hope is that Wagner might return before the playoffs, offering the Magic a crucial boost. In his absence, Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane have stepped up, but the team still faced challenges during their slump.
Currently, the Magic stand at 39-34, holding the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. They’re tied with the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat, just a game behind the Philadelphia 76ers for the No. 7 seed, and two and a half games behind the Toronto Raptors for the No. 6 seed. The race is tight, and getting Wagner back could be pivotal as they push for a stronger playoff position.