Magic's Franz Wagner suffers knee injury in Play-In loss to 76ers

The young star left the game late with a left knee issue after colliding with a teammate.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:22am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the collision and injury of a basketball player, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange conveying the impact and pain of the moment.A cubist interpretation of the knee collision that sidelined rising Magic star Franz Wagner in their Play-In Tournament loss.Today in Orlando

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner sustained a left knee injury in the final minute of his team's 109-97 Play-In Tournament loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Wagner was in serious pain after colliding with teammate Wendell Carter Jr. and had to be escorted off the court, unable to finish the game.

Why it matters

Wagner is a rising young star for the Magic, and any significant injury could impact the team's future plans. The Play-In Tournament is a high-stakes situation, and an injury to a key player like Wagner could be a major setback for Orlando as they look to build on their progress this season.

The details

With just under a minute left in regulation and the Magic trailing, Jalen Suggs' layup attempt was blocked. In the ensuing scramble, Wendell Carter Jr. accidentally bumped knees with Wagner, causing the German forward to immediately grab his left knee in pain. Wagner remained at the scorer's table before being helped to the locker room, unable to put much weight on his injured leg.

  • The incident occurred with less than a minute remaining in the Magic's 109-97 Play-In Tournament loss to the 76ers on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Franz Wagner

A 24-year-old forward for the Orlando Magic who is considered a rising star in the NBA.

Wendell Carter Jr.

A 26-year-old center for the Orlando Magic who accidentally collided with Wagner, causing the injury.

Jalen Suggs

A 23-year-old guard for the Orlando Magic whose missed layup attempt led to the play where Wagner was injured.

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What they’re saying

“It's a tough way to end the season, but we'll be back stronger next year.”

— Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic Forward

What’s next

The Magic will provide an update on the severity of Wagner's left knee injury in the coming days. If it's serious, it could impact his availability for the start of next season.

The takeaway

The injury to Franz Wagner is a disappointing end to the Magic's season, as the young forward had emerged as a key piece of their future. The team will now have to wait anxiously for news on the severity of the injury and how it may impact Wagner's offseason recovery and preparation for next year.