NBA: Magic Forward Franz Wagner out indefinitely

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner will be sidelined indefinitely after tests revealed the severity of his left ankle injury, the team announced Wednesday.

The Magic said they will re-evaluate Wagner’s progress in three weeks. Wagner has missed 25 of the past 29 games after suffering a high ankle sprain on December 7.

“Recent imaging confirmed Wagner requires additional time and rehabilitation before returning to full basketball activities,” the team stated.

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the importance of a full recovery for the 24-year-old German forward. “It’s so important — his ability to get it all the way right, where he’s not trying to be in, then out, and the soreness continues to affect him. Just making sure it’s right… It’s the long haul for him. We’re looking at the long part of his career more than anything,” Mosley said.

“We care about these guys and make sure they are fully physically able to play when they step on the court,” he added.

Wagner is averaging 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 28 games (26 starts) this season, his fifth since Orlando selected him as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Over his 319-game career (317 starts), he has averaged 19.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, shooting 47.5% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range.

The Magic (28-25) return from the All-Star break Thursday night at Sacramento. Orlando currently sits in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

—Field Level Media/Reuters