Orlando Magic Lose Franz Wagner to Injury, But Beat Chicago Bulls

The Orlando Magic moved up in the Eastern Conference standings after defeating the Chicago Bulls.

Apr 7, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) goes to the basket / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

After beating the Chicago Bulls 113-98, the Orlando Magic has officially taken a top-three spot in the Eastern Conference.

Just before tipoff, the Cleveland Cavaliers lost against the Los Angeles Clippers 120-118, opening up an opportunity for Orlando to propel itself ahead of them once and for all as the team enters the season's final stretch.

Apr 7, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) goes to the basket / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

The Magic played this game with tenacity from the start. In the first quarter, Orlando scored 31 points while holding Chicago to a mere 14. By halftime, the Magic still had its foot on the gas. After two quarters, Orlando led 56-44 thanks to strong performances by All-Star Paolo Banchero and his scoring partner Franz Wagner; both were tied for the title of the game’s leading scorer with 13 points apiece. 

Unfortunately, the third quarter proved troublesome. Despite convincingly holding onto the lead, Wagner suffered a right ankle injury and was escorted to the locker room. Wagner never returned to the contest, but the Magic reported that his X-rays returned negative.

Orlando remained in the driver’s seat in the fourth quarter and held onto the lead throughout the game. How soon Wagner can return to action will be a major storyline for the Magic as the team approaches its first playoff appearance since 2020. Just above the Magic sit the Milwaukee Bucks at 47-30, the team that Orlando will play its final regular season game at home against them one week from today.

Next up for the Magic is a road trip starting against the Houston Rockets (38-40) on Tuesday, a team officially knocked out of postseason contention earlier today.