Franz Wagner ruled out for Game 6 for Magic: How it helps Pistons

TL;DR

Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic is ruled out for Game 6 due to a right calf strain, missing his second consecutive game. This absence could benefit the Detroit Pistons as they aim to extend the series.

Key points

Franz Wagner is out for Game 6 due to a right calf strain.
He also missed Game 5 against the Pistons.
The Pistons won Game 5, forcing a Game 6.
Game 6 will be held in Orlando.

Orlando MagicDetroit PistonsFranz Wagner

Franz Wagner ruled out for Game 6 for Magic: How it helps Pistons

A key Orlando Magic player has been sidelined once again for Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons.

Magic forward Franz Wagner (right calf strain) was listed as out on the availability report on Thursday, April 30, after missing Game 5 on Wednesday.

The Pistons won the game at Little Caesars Arena, 116-109, to fight off elimination and force another game in Orlando on Friday.

Wagner, who spent two years in college at Michigan, exited Game 4 in Orlando on Monday late in the third quarter with 19 points. The forward has been key to the Magic's success this season, and they missed his presence on Wednesday.

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"I hate to miss any game, especially in this situation," Wagner told reporters in the locker room before Game 5. "I think there are things that are really important. Obviously, we know the history of other guys who have gotten hurt. You've got to be careful with this kind of injury."

Wagner was Orlando's primary defender, over the first four games of the series, on Cade Cunningham, who set a Pistons playoff record with 45 points in their Game 5 win. According to NBA Stats, Cunningham shot 7-for-22 through the first four games with Wagner as his assignment. Pontiac native and Oakland alumnus Jamal Cain replaced Wagner in the starting lineup but struggled to slow Cunningham and finished with five points and four rebounds while going 3-for-7 at the free throw line.