Franz Wagner Returns to Magic Lineup After Ankle Injury

The forward will play his first home game since December 5 when the Magic host the Bucks on Monday.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 3:47pm

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Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner will return to the team's lineup on Monday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, marking his first home game since December 5. Wagner suffered a high left ankle sprain on December 7 and missed 16 games before returning for two games in Europe, but then reaggravated the injury. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said Wagner will be on a "very strict" minutes restriction for his return.

Why it matters

Wagner's return is a significant boost for the Magic, as he is considered an All-Star caliber player when healthy. His presence on both ends of the floor provides a major lift for the team, and his return comes at a crucial time as the Magic look to solidify their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Wagner suffered the high left ankle sprain on December 7 against the New York Knicks. He missed 16 games in late December and early January before returning for two games in Berlin and London on January 15 and 18, but then reaggravated the injury and has not played since then. The Magic's injury report on Monday listed Wagner as available to play against the Bucks.

  • Wagner suffered the ankle injury on December 7, 2025.
  • He missed 16 games in late December 2025 and early January 2026.
  • Wagner returned for two games in Berlin and London on January 15 and 18, 2026, but then reaggravated the injury.
  • Wagner will return to the Magic lineup on Monday, February 9, 2026 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The players

Franz Wagner

A forward for the Orlando Magic who is considered an All-Star caliber player when healthy.

Jamahl Mosley

The head coach of the Orlando Magic.

Jalen Suggs

A guard for the Orlando Magic.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

An All-Star forward for the Milwaukee Bucks who will miss the game against the Magic due to a right calf strain.

Gary Harris

A guard who played the past four seasons with the Orlando Magic before signing with the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“He's an All-Star, to be honest, when he's healthy. So having him back is huge. The gravity he pulls on offense, the way he's been guarding defensively. Having that back as a part of our unit makes a big difference. I think for us it's just really big mentally, knowing that we have the full group now and nobody is out. Now we get to slowly work our way back to our full unit and getting our chemistry and rhythm down. I'm excited to get him back. I'm happy for him. I know he's really been itching to get back out there.”

— Jalen Suggs, Guard (mynews13.com)

What’s next

The Magic and Bucks will play again on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Kia Center.

The takeaway

Franz Wagner's return to the Magic lineup is a significant boost for the team as they look to solidify their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. His presence on both ends of the floor provides a major lift, and the Magic are excited to have their full roster available for the first time since late 2024.