Orlando Magic star Franz Wagner is out indefinitely with a torn right oblique and he’ll be reevaluated in four weeks.
The news comes as a huge blow to the Magic, who are contending as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference despite the continued absence of All-Star Paolo Banchero (missing with the same oblique injury since November 1).
Wagner can be credited with the leading role in Orlando’s success, averaging 24.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists a game while putting himself in contention to become the second All-Star on the team.
With a record of 17-9, Orlando are currently sitting as the three seed in the East – three games back of the Boston Celtics in second and 4.5 back of the Cleveland Cavaliers in first.
According to the best online betting sites, the Magic are +1600 to win their conference this year and look to have a fighting chance at winning their first playoff series since 2010 later this season.
WATCH: Franz Wagner lights up LA with game-winner vs Lakers
FRANZ WAGNER GAME WINNER OVER THE LAKERS 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/8yL14KwPIb
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 22, 2024
Wagner reflects on ‘crazy’ shared injury with teammate Banchero
It seems like the most unfortunate coincidence ever that both of the Magic’s young stars suffered the same rare injury at similar times in the season.
Wagner said: “Yeah, we talked…just saying how crazy it is. I’ve never heard of this injury before. And now we’ve had it twice, so…super unfortunate. No one really to blame.”
The 23-year-old had put his name in the hat to win Most Improved Player as well, rating as the second-favorite with plenty of firms – taking the leap the franchise hoped he would when he was selected with the eighth overall pick in 2021.
With both Wagner and Banchero off the floor, Orlando are missing around 54 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists per game between the pair.
