Magic’s Franz Wagner Held Out Again as Ankle Soreness Persists
magics-franz-wagner-held-out-again-as-ankle-soreness-persists
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner will not play Thursday night against the Charlotte Hornets after reporting significant soreness in his previously sprained left ankle, head coach Jamahl Mosley said during morning shoot-around.
Mosley told reporters Wagner felt “really, really, really sore” following the session, pain that the coach confirmed stems from the high left ankle sprain that sidelined the 22-year-old for 16 games in December and early January. Wagner returned last week, logging 27 minutes last Thursday and 26 minutes Sunday in back-to-back meetings with Memphis, averaging 16.0 points and 6.5 rebounds.
“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t hard as heck to deal with,” Mosley said. “We have to keep the long-term view. He’s one of those guys we have to continue to monitor.” The coach added, “I hope it’s not long term,” while noting that the medical staff will decide when the forward can safely return.
Through 26 appearances this season, Wagner is averaging 22.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steals. Orlando has 10 games remaining before the All-Star break, leaving open the possibility that the German international could miss several weeks if the discomfort lingers.
With Wagner out, rookie Noah Penda—who saw extended minutes earlier this month during the club’s European trip—could again assume a larger role. Wagner’s status may also influence the Magic’s strategy ahead of the trade deadline; the team entered Thursday tied for sixth in the Eastern Conference, 3.5 games behind second-place Boston.
Orlando remains without another starter, guard Jalen Suggs, who will sit for an eighth straight contest because of a right knee MCL bruise. Mosley said Suggs “came up OK” after Wednesday’s workout and will be evaluated over the next few days, targeting a return in the upcoming games.
Source: Hoops Rumors
