Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner is dealing with a right calf strain and is officially listed as questionable for Game 5 of the first-round series against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, the team announced.
The 24-year-old exited Monday’s Game 4 with calf tightness and underwent an MRI on Tuesday. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the diagnosis, and the Magic confirmed the results shortly afterward.
Although Wagner has not been ruled out, even a mild strain often sidelines players for about a week, leaving his availability in doubt as Orlando tries to close out a series it leads 3-1.
Before leaving Game 4, Wagner scored 19 points, tying his personal high for the series. Through four postseason contests he is averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals in 30.5 minutes per game while shooting .439 from the field, .333 from three-point range and .933 from the free-throw line.
Reserve wing Jamal Cain filled Wagner’s spot for the entire fourth quarter on Monday, guarding Pistons star Cade Cunningham and adding a highlight dunk. Cain, along with Anthony Black and Tristan Da Silva—both of whom started games during Wagner’s earlier ankle absence—are candidates to join the first unit if Wagner is held out.
The Magic and Pistons meet for Game 5 on Wednesday night in Orlando.
Source: Hoops Rumors
