Franz Wagner is out with a right calf strain and has been ruled out for Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons. The Orlando Magic are one win away from their first Eastern Conference semifinals appearance in 16 years.
Key points
Franz Wagner suffered a right calf strain.
He is ruled out for Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons.
The Orlando Magic are close to their first Eastern Conference semifinals appearance in 16 years.
Wagner's injury impacts the team's playoff chances.
The Orlando Magic stand just one win away from their first Eastern Conference semifinals appearance in 16 years, but getting there will be a lot harder without star Franz Wagner.
Wagner went down with a right calf strain in the third quarter of Monday night's Game 4 against the Detroit Pistons. The German was unable to return, missed the following game and has already been ruled out for Friday's Game 6.
Orlando received a vintage performance from Paolo Banchero, but that was negated by a 40-point effort from Detroit's Cade Cunningham. The Magic are painfully close to a round of the playoffs they haven't played in since 2010, but that one game is much further away without a key player.
Here's everything to know about Wagner's injury status and when he may return for Orlando.
NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: | |
Q&A
What is the latest update on Franz Wagner's injury?
Franz Wagner is currently out due to a right calf strain and will miss Game 6.
How long will Franz Wagner be out for the Orlando Magic?
Wagner has already been ruled out for Game 6, with no specific return timetable provided.
What impact does Franz Wagner's injury have on the Magic's playoff chances?
Wagner's absence significantly affects the Magic's chances as they aim for their first Eastern Conference semifinals appearance since 2007.
Who will replace Franz Wagner in the Orlando Magic lineup?
The article does not specify a direct replacement for Wagner in the lineup.
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During Monday's 94-88 win over the Pistons in Game 4, Wagner went down with a right calf strain and did not return to the game. He was initially listed as questionable to play for Game 5 in Detroit on Wednesday, but the forward was ruled out ahead of tip-off.
Heading into Game 6, Wagner was once again ruled out, according to Magic beat reporter Jason Beede. Orlando was unable to move past the Pistons in Game 5, despite a 40-point performance by star Paolo Banchero. The team's playoff success may rely on Wagner's return, which appears up in the air.
At the moment, it remains unclear when Wagner will rejoin his team on the hardwood, but Orlando's time is ticking. They head into Friday's Game 6 up 3-2 with a chance to move on to the second round while playing in front of their home crowd, but it will be without their German star.
Wagner's return is up in the air at the moment, with the star set to miss his second straight playoff game for the Magic.
Orlando would certainly love their star back as soon as possible, but not much is currently known about when he will be back for his team. However, with the team already ruling him out a day before their game, the future may not be as bright as Magic fans would hope for.
A calf strain recovery timetable varies depending on how severe the injury is. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can take anywhere from several weeks to months to resume normal activity.
However, NBA athletes are subject to top-notch healthcare treatment. Wagner's timeline may be expedited due to his status as an athlete and due to the injury happening during the playoffs at a pivotal time for the Magic.
How Franz Wagner's injury impacts Magic's rotation
As a member of Orlando's "Big 3" along with Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane, Wagner's injury could not have happened at a worse time. The team was up 3-1 in the series against the No. 1 seed Pistons, and has already lost a game since then.
During Wagner's absense last game, forward Jamal Cain was called to be the next man up in the starting lineup. In Game 5, Cain played 25 minutes and put up five points, four rebounds, and an assist.
Without Wagner on the floor, Banchero had his highest-scoring game of the season with a 45-point, nine-rebound, and seven-assist outburst. However, even that still proved to be not enough to move the needle in Orlando's favor.
Orlando is currently up 3-2 in its series with Detroit. While securing a win will certainly be harder without Wagner on the floor, Orlando will meet the winner of the Cavaliers and Raptors in the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a win on Friday or in Game 7.
With the playoffs in full swing, the Magic's schedule will continue as long as they continue to win games.
