The Orlando Magic failed to keep up in the fourth quarter in their loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Things went from bad to worse late in the game after Franz Wagner seemingly suffered a right knee injury. He was able to finish the game, putting up just 12 points, four rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes.
Desmond Bane was the lone bright spot for the Magic in their 109-97 loss. Bane scored 34 points on 10-for-16 shooting from the field. Paolo Banchero had 18 points, making just seven shots and committing six turnovers.
Tyrese Maxey led the way for the Sixers, scoring 31 points. Four more players scored in double figures, filling in the absence of Joel Embiid, who is recovering from emergency appendectomy.
What Happened To Franz Wagner?
GettyFranz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic reacts in the second half of the game against the Miami Heat at Kia Center on October 22, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.
With about 1:15 left in the game, Jalen Suggs’ fastbreak layup was denied by Maxey. Wendell Carter Jr. tried to get back on defense, but he collided with Wagner.
The teammates bumped knees, causing the Germany international to walk with a limp. He checked out of the game in the next dead ball but returned with 40 seconds remaining.
It was a scary injury for Wagner and the Magic, especially with how he dealt with a left ankle injury for the majority of the season. He was limited to just 34 games because of the lingering issue.
Coach Jamahl Mosley didn’t have an update on his condition in his postgame media availability, so it was a bit tense for Magic fans.
Wagner Provides Update on His Injury
Despite the loss, the Magic received a positive update from Wagner himself in the locker room after the game.
According to The Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede, Wagner was feeling good after the injury scare. He understood that he had to feel some pain after getting bulldozed by his 270-pound teammate.
“Obviously, not the best person to run into, but yeah, I’m OK though,” Wagner said.
That’s a huge relief for the Magic heading into their do-or-die matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. They will host the red-hot Hornets at the Kia Center for a chance to clinch the No. 8 seed in the East and a date with the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
Magic vs. Hornets Preview
GettyKon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball over Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic during the second half of the basketball game at Spectrum Center on October 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Friday’s game between the Magic and Hornets will be their fifth meeting of the season. The Hornets won the season series 3-1. The Magic dominated the first game 123-107 on October 30.
However, LaMelo Ball and company won the next three with an average margin of victory of 20.3 points.
The Magic have the homecourt advantage, but the Hornets have been one of the best teams in the NBA since January 1. They have a record of 34-16 in 2026, including their 127-126 win over the Miami Heat in their NBA Play-In Tournament matchup on Tuesday.
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