Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner suffered a lower left leg injury in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the New York Knicks and did not return. The incident occurred during a dunk attempt, leading to his exit after scoring seven points. The Magic lost the game, with Wagner set for re-evaluation upon returning to Orlando.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner exited Sunday's game against the New York Knicks after suffering a lower left leg injury in the first quarter. The injury happened with 4:43 remaining in the period when Wagner went up for a dunk on a lob pass from teammate Anthony Black. He was fouled hard by Knicks center Ariel Hukporti, landing awkwardly on his left leg and immediately grabbing below his knee. Wagner needed assistance to reach the locker room.
The foul was reviewed for a potential flagrant but was confirmed as a common foul. Wagner had scored seven points on 3-for-4 shooting in seven minutes before leaving. The Magic ruled him out for the remainder of the game and stated he would be re-evaluated upon the team's return to Orlando.
"You never want to see anybody go down, but that hurt my heart, watching him hit the floor," Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. "Now I’m just praying that everything is going to be OK with him."
Wagner, the Magic's leading scorer at 23.4 points per game (tied for 20th in the NBA), joins a list of recent injuries for the team. Paolo Banchero had just returned from a 10-game absence due to a left groin injury in Friday's win over the Miami Heat.
The Knicks outscored the Magic 17-9 for the rest of the first quarter, leading 35-31 after one. Orlando responded by outscoring New York 24-19 in the second, holding a 55-54 halftime lead. Despite the effort, the Magic fell to the Knicks.
"We’re praying for (Wagner’s) recovery," Magic guard Jalen Suggs said. "We’re a family, so whenever you see one of your own go down, it’s tough."
The Magic are scheduled to host the Miami Heat in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday at the Kia Center. Mosley emphasized the team's depth and defense as key strengths moving forward.