Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner suffered a lower left leg injury during a game against the New York Knicks, forcing him to exit the match before its conclusion. With 4:43 remaining in the first quarter, Wagner attempted an alley-oop during a fast break but was fouled by Knicks center Ariel Hukporti. Upon landing, he appeared to buckle his left knee and remained on the floor for several moments before being assisted to the locker room.
The Magic announced that Wagner will undergo an MRI when the team returns to Orlando on the evening of March 10, 2024. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but it poses a significant concern for the team, who have been grappling with player injuries throughout the season.
Wagner’s performance has been pivotal for the Magic, especially as they welcomed back last season’s leading scorer, Paolo Banchero, after he missed ten games due to a left groin strain. In the past seven games, Wagner has been averaging an impressive 25.1 points, along with six rebounds and four assists, leading the team with an overall scoring average of 23.4 points per game.
The Magic’s struggles with injuries have hampered their momentum this season, making Wagner’s absence particularly impactful. As the team looks to solidify their standing as a competitive force, the status of their key players will be critical. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring Wagner’s recovery and the details of his MRI results in the coming days.
