Franz Wagner out for Magic’s Game 6 matchup vs. Pistons, missing 2nd straight playoff game

Franz Wagner will miss his second straight game for the Orlando Magic in their NBA playoff series versus the Detroit Pistons.

Wagner has been ruled out for Friday’s Game 6 with a calf strain that also sidelined him for Game 5’s 116-109 loss in Detroit, according to the NBA’s injury report. The Magic take a 3-2 series lead in their first-round matchup with the Pistons and can close it out with a win.

If Detroit was to force a Game 7 for Sunday, it appears unlikely that Wagner would be available for that contest, as well. If Orlando finishes the series, then the question becomes whether or not Wagner can play Game 1 of a second-round matchup.

Without Wagner, the Pistons still had to fight for a seven-point win and needed 45 points from Cade Cunningham. Paolo Banchero made up for Wagner’s absence with 45 points of his own, but Orlando seemingly would have found a way to win with its second-leading scorer in the lineup.

Wagner sustained his calf injury late in Monday’s Game 4 win over Detroit that gave Orlando a 3-1 series lead. He was considered questionable on Tuesday, but clearly wasn’t ready to go in time in Detroit.

The fifth-year forward left in the second half of Monday’s game with the injury. He spent time on a sideline exercise bike while he was considered questionable to return, but was ultimately limited to 24 minutes. Wagner told reporters after the game he was scheduled to have an MRI on Tuesday. The Magic went on to despite his injury.