Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner is expected to play his first game of the season on Sunday, when the club hosts the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports that Wagner is listed as probable and will suit up barring any late setback. The 28-year-old has been practicing with contact and taking part in scrimmages in recent weeks, head coach Jamahl Mosley said.
Wagner has not appeared in an NBA contest since Dec. 21, 2024, when he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee. Before the injury, the 25th pick in the 2018 draft was enjoying a career-best campaign, averaging 12.9 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 56.2 percent from the field and 36.0 percent from three in 30 games (18.8 minutes per night).
Orlando enters Sunday at 21-18, eighth in the Eastern Conference, and ranks 20th in offensive efficiency. Wagner’s return gives the bench an additional scoring option and—if all goes well—should allow him to be available for Thursday’s game in his hometown of Berlin, Germany.
The Magic will still be without two rotation players: forward Franz Wagner, Moritz’s younger brother, remains sidelined by a high left ankle sprain, and guard Jalen Suggs continues to recover from a right knee MCL contusion.
Source: Hoops Rumors
