Magic's Franz Wagner Exits Game with Knee Injury

The young forward left Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves with a left knee issue.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:36am

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Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner exited Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter after suffering an apparent left knee injury. Wagner fell to the floor while attempting a steal and immediately headed to the locker room, unable to put weight on his left leg. The 24-year-old had scored 11 points and dished 2 assists before the injury occurred.

Why it matters

Franz Wagner has emerged as a key piece of the Magic's young core, averaging 17.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season. Any significant injury to Wagner would be a major blow to Orlando's playoff hopes as they fight for position in the Eastern Conference.

The details

In the third quarter of the game, Wagner went down while trying to make a defensive play, grabbing at his left knee in obvious pain. He was unable to put any weight on the leg as he was helped to the locker room by team trainers. The extent of the injury is not yet known, but Wagner had just returned to the lineup in early April after missing time with an ankle issue.

  • The injury occurred in the third quarter of Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves.
  • Wagner had just returned to the lineup in early April after missing time with an ankle injury.

The players

Franz Wagner

A 24-year-old forward for the Orlando Magic who has emerged as a key piece of the team's young core, averaging 17.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season.

Tristan da Silva

The player who replaced Wagner in the lineup after he left the game with the knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“Franz Wagner just went down and grabbed his left leg early in the third quarter. Immediately left the floor and went to the locker room.”

— Daren Stoltzfus, Reporter, WESH

What’s next

The Magic will provide an update on the severity of Wagner's knee injury in the coming days. If it is serious, it could be a major blow to their playoff hopes in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

This injury to Franz Wagner is a concerning development for the Magic, who have been relying on the young forward's production as they fight for playoff positioning in the East. The team will need to wait for further evaluation to determine the extent of the injury and how long he may be sidelined.