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Franz Wagner’s return promises an improved offense
Dec 6, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr (9) in the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross/Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Before Jamahl Mosley began his media availability after practice on Thursday, he took a deep breath and decided to address the elephant in the room.
Goga Bitadze (hip contusion) did not go through practice. Jalen Suggs (low back strain) is doing more movement but is still progressing slowly and not practicing. Jett Howard was doing some treatment but could only do non-contact parts of practice. Gary Harris was doing more conditioning but not a full participant in practice.
The list was so long that Mosley forgot to address Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who missed Sunday’s game. He participated in practice but remains QUESTIONABLE for Wednesday’s game.
The Magic have a long injury list right now. It is getting closer to getting shorter.
Tuesday, the Magic took the big step of changing Franz Wagner’s designation to OUT – Return to Competition Conditioning. This is the final step in his recovery from the torn oblique that knocked him out of action five weeks ago.
At last some good injury news.
“I feel good,” Wagner said. “I think everything is going in a really good direction. I was able to do some more stuff on the court. I think pretty much the muscle is not the issue at this point. It’s about getting back in shape and making sure I check all the boxes before I get back into a game.”
The Magic are certainly eager for that return. It will still take some time.
Paolo Banchero needed two weeks of reconditioning before he stepped back on the court. The Magic do not put timelines on recoveries, but that would essentially put a target date for Wagner’s return at the Jan. 25 home game against the Detroit Pistons or thereabouts.
The Magic still have games to get through before then – including Wednesday’s critical rematch with the Milwaukee Bucks.
It feels like it could not come a moment too soon. The Magic at the midpoint of the season should be poised to make a strong second-half run as they get healthy.
The promise of finally having Wagner and Banchero healthy for the first time since October should give the Magic some offensive hope.
Orlando undoubtedly is struggling on that end, ranking 27th in the league with 108.5 points per 100 possessions. But when Banchero or Wagner are on the floor, the Magic are at least competent.
With Banchero on the floor this season, the Magic posted a 115.8 offensive rating. That would rank sixth in the league. With Wagner on the court, the team’s offensive rating is 113.2, which would rank 12th in the league.
When Banchero and Wagner shared the floor this year, the Magic had a 114.2 offensive rating.
There is a good offensive team in there when the Magic are healthy. Already, the Magic are dominating the minutes Banchero is in -- +6 in the three-point loss to the Bucks on Friday and +18 in the win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.
It turns out that having your stars is helpful to build an offense. And the Magic being down both of their main creators helped factor into their offense cratering.
The Magic will have to wait just a bit longer for Wagner’s return. But it is something they are eagerly anticipating so they can finally see this team at full strength.
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
Injury Check the latest injury report for the Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks game on January 15. Key player statuses could impact the game significantly. (Sports Illustrated)
Trade The Orlando Magic’s trade deadline plans should be strategic if they aim to secure a playoff spot. Evaluations and decisions will shape their postseason aspirations. (Orlando Magic Daily)
Analysis Where do the Orlando Magic really stand in the current NBA standings? An in-depth look at their performance and prospects. (Orlando Magic Daily)
Rumor With trade restrictions lifted, players like Tyrese Maxey and OG Anunoby could be on the move. How will this affect the Orlando Magic’s strategy? (Bleacher Report)
Rumor Who is truly untouchable for the Orlando Magic as the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches? Dive into the latest speculation. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Magic will go head-to-head with the Bucks at the Fiserv Forum at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Magic podcasts.
Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks: What went wrong? Energy reveals their weaknesses The Orlando Magic seemed overwhelmed by their mounting injuries and could not find their footing in a 29-point loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Their energy simply was not there.
Franz Wagner’s coming return gives hope to Orlando Magic’s offense Franz Wagner’s rapid recovery from his injury is a beacon of hope for the Orlando Magic as they navigate the NBA season. With the team ranking 27th in offensive rating, the return of key players like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero could be game-changing and lift their biggest weakness.
Why Jamahl Mosley is Orlando Magic’s First Half MVP The Orlando Magic have spent the first half of their season trying to hold the boat steady. Major injuries to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner threw the season for a loop and forced the Magic to adjust quickly.
