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Magic's Wagner, Black Sidelined with Injuries, Timetables Unclear
Orlando's young stars Anthony Black and Franz Wagner face uncertain returns from abdominal and ankle issues.
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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The Orlando Magic have been hit hard by injuries this season, with standout young players Anthony Black and Franz Wagner both sidelined indefinitely. Black suffered an abdominal strain, while Wagner is still recovering from a high ankle sprain, and neither player has a clear timetable for their return. The Magic have been relying on the strong play of Paolo Banchero to stay competitive, but the extended absences of Black and Wagner are a major concern as the team pushes for a playoff spot.
Why it matters
The Magic have been one of the surprise teams in the Eastern Conference this season, but their playoff hopes could be in jeopardy if they can't get Black and Wagner back on the court soon. Both players are key contributors, and their injuries leave the team shorthanded as they try to solidify their position in the postseason race.
The details
Anthony Black suffered a lateral abdominal muscle strain after initially being diagnosed with a lower back strain. He is out indefinitely, with no clear timeline for his return. Meanwhile, Franz Wagner has been dealing with a high ankle sprain since December, and after a recent setback, the team says he is still progressing but requires more time to recover. Wagner has only played in 28 games this season due to the ankle issue.
- Black was injured on March 4 against the Timberwolves.
- Wagner first suffered the ankle sprain on December 7 against the Knicks.
- Wagner returned to play in Berlin and London in mid-January but then missed more games.
- Wagner has been sidelined indefinitely since February 11.
The players
Anthony Black
A breakout third-year guard for the Magic, averaging 15.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season.
Franz Wagner
A talented young forward for the Magic, averaging 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game when healthy this season.
Paolo Banchero
The Magic's leading scorer this season, averaging 27.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists during the team's recent four-game win streak.
What’s next
The Magic will continue to monitor the progress of Black and Wagner's injuries and provide further updates on their timelines for return. In the meantime, the team will rely on the strong play of Paolo Banchero to keep them competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
The takeaway
The Magic's playoff hopes hinge on getting their young stars Black and Wagner back healthy, as the team has struggled with injuries all season. Their extended absences are a major concern, but Orlando has shown it can win games behind Banchero's leadership. How the team weathers this storm could determine their postseason fate.
