The Orlando Magic have been staying afloat with their star player out. Paolo Banchero has missed the last 25 games after suffering a torn oblique before Halloween, but his team has been able to stay in the top-5 in the Eastern Conference. They’ll have to keep up their shorthanded success for at least another handful of games, as the injury issues have continued to pile up.
Already Ailing Orlando Magic Suffer Another Injury
In addition to Banchero’s missed time, the Magic have had to deal with another oblique injury, this time to their other top scorer. Franz Wagner has been out since December 8th, which has proven to be a tough blow for Orlando. The fourth-year forward has been averaging 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in Banchero’s absence, but is out indefinitely and will be re-evaluated in a little more than two weeks time.
The Magic were 16-9 before Wagner went down, but they have won just 2 of their last 5 since. And things won’t get any easier, as Moritz Wagner, Franz’s brother, went down with what could be a serious knee injury on Saturday. Further tests will have to be run in the coming days, but it is said that the team is “praying” that it isn’t as bad as everyone fears.
Moritz Wagner had been averaging nearly 13 points and 5 rebounds off of the bench so far this year.
Orlando Magic center Moe Wagner was helped off the court after suffering what appears to be a left knee injury. Wagner is in the midst of his best season, averaging career-highs in points (13.3), rebounds (5.1) and 3-point percentage (.360) entering today. pic.twitter.com/kOA3qRAKKg
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 22, 2024
There could be a saving grace in that Banchero could be nearing a return. On Saturday, he went through both shooting and ball handling drills at the team’s facility, and things appeared to be improving with his status. There is still no official word on a potential date for him returning to the court, but it is a positive sign in his rehabilitation.
The upcoming schedule won’t be much of a help. The Magic will take on the Boston Celtics on Monday, followed by games against the Miami Heat and New York Knicks coming up later in the week. But each of their net four contests will be played at home, as will eight of their next eleven.
The key to Orlando’s success this year has been their defense. They have allowed the 2nd fewest points of any team in the NBA, and are in the top-3 in many of the important defensive categories. It is the offense that has been something of a struggle so far in 2024-25, an issue that won’t be aided by the rash of injuries.
