Magic's Franz Wagner breaks silence on friendly fire injury

Wagner collided with teammate Wendell Carter Jr. late in Play-In loss to 76ers

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:07am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic collision between two basketball players, their bodies broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the collision between Magic forward Franz Wagner and teammate Wendell Carter Jr. that caused a late-game injury scare.Charlotte Today

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner spoke about the late-game collision with teammate Wendell Carter Jr. that caused him to briefly leave Wednesday's Play-In Tournament loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Wagner said he's okay despite the lingering soreness, joking about running into the 270-pound Carter. The Magic now host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday in a winner-take-all game for the final playoff spot, with Wagner's status uncertain.

Why it matters

The Magic's season hinges on Wagner's health, as the versatile forward is a key part of their lineup. His injury scare came at a crucial moment in their Play-In loss to the 76ers, raising concerns about his availability for the must-win game against the Hornets.

The details

With the Magic trailing late in the fourth quarter, Wagner and teammate Wendell Carter Jr. collided near the baseline while scrambling for a loose ball. The impact sent Wagner to the floor, where he remained for several moments clutching his left knee before limping to the scorer's table. Wagner was able to return for the final 40 seconds, finishing with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in 29 minutes.

  • The incident occurred late in the fourth quarter of the Magic's 109-97 loss to the 76ers on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • Wagner returned to the game for the final 40 seconds of regulation.

The players

Franz Wagner

A versatile forward for the Orlando Magic who is a key part of their lineup.

Wendell Carter Jr.

A 270-pound center for the Orlando Magic who collided with Wagner late in the game.

Jalen Suggs

A guard for the Orlando Magic who had a layup attempt swatted away immediately before the Wagner-Carter collision.

Desmond Bane

A guard for the Orlando Magic who led the team with 34 points in the loss.

Tyrese Maxey

A guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who scored a game-high 31 points, including 7 straight in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously not the best person to run into but yeah, I'm OK though.”

— Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic forward

What’s next

The Magic now host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday for a winner-take-all fight for the final playoff spot. Orlando's season depends on whether Wagner can shake off the collision and regain his form in time for the do-or-die clash.

The takeaway

This injury scare for Franz Wagner comes at a critical juncture for the Magic, who are fighting to keep their season alive in the Play-In Tournament. Wagner's health and availability will be a key factor as Orlando faces the Hornets in a must-win game on Friday.