Franz and Moritz Wagner, both sidelined, paused their rehab schedules Wednesday to hand out Christmas presents to children from an Orlando-area youth center.
Franz Wagner met reporters for the first time since suffering a high left ankle sprain in Sunday’s game at New York. Wearing a protective boot and using crutches, the 24-year-old forward said the diagnosis could have been worse and called the setback “a little bump in the road.” Team doctors expect him to miss two to four weeks.
Moritz Wagner is approaching the one-year mark of the ACL tear in his left knee sustained on Dec. 21, 2024. The veteran big man reported steady progress and said he hopes to return “sometime soon” as rehab continues.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley has recent experience juggling injuries to key forwards. Paolo Banchero just rejoined the lineup Friday after sitting out 10 games with a groin strain, and Franz Wagner missed 20 contests last season with a torn abdominal muscle. “You always lean on things that have happened in the past,” Mosley said, adding that Orlando’s depth and defense must carry the club until everyone is healthy.
Banchero remained on a minutes limit during Tuesday’s NBA Cup win over Miami, logging 32 minutes and finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Newcomer Desmond Bane powered that victory with 37 points, reaching that total for the third time in six outings. The guard said the team recommitted to “smash-mouth basketball on both sides of the floor.” By advancing to the NBA Cup semifinals, players will receive a tournament bonus, and Bane quipped he needs it after being fined $35,000 for throwing the ball at OG Anunoby on Sunday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
