Magic’s Franz Wagner out indefinitely on account of ankle soreness

Orlando Magic ahead Franz Wagner will probably be sidelined indefinitely after latest checks confirmed that he requires extra time and rehabilitation for soreness from his left excessive ankle sprain, the staff introduced Wednesday.

The Magic will reevaluate Wagner’s progress in three weeks, the staff added.

Wagner has missed 25 of the Magic’s previous 29 video games since sustaining the excessive ankle sprain Dec. 7 towards the New York Knicks, and hasn’t performed greater than two video games in a row since struggling the unique damage.

Wagner’s setback continues a troublesome run of damage woes for the Magic. Over final season and this marketing campaign, Orlando’s trio of Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs have performed in solely 14.1% of video games (19 of 135). However, within the 148 minutes Wagner, Banchero and Suggs have been on the court docket collectively this season, the Magic are taking pictures 50.9% from the sphere and 39.6% from 3-point vary whereas outscoring their opponents by 40 factors.

In 28 video games this season, Wagner is averaging 21.3 factors, 5.8 rebounds and three.6 assists per recreation whereas taking pictures 47.9% from the ground. Orlando is averaging 117.2 PPG when he performs, however simply 112.7 with out him on the ground.

The Magic, who’re 28-25 on the season, are 16-12 with Wagner within the lineup this season and 12-13 when he does not play, in line with ESPN Research. The 25 video games missed this season are a profession excessive for Wagner.

The Magic returns from the All-Star break Thursday night time towards the Kings in Sacramento. They then face the Phoenix Suns, LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers, all on the highway, earlier than returning residence for a four-game homestand in Orlando.