Magic Coach Jamahl Mosley: Franz Wagner Injury 'Provides Opportunity'

Franz Wagner's injury is forcing the Orlando Magic to change things.

ORLANDO - Franz Wagner has been a key player for the Orlando Magic since he was drafted No. 8 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. 

Now, after he suffered an ankle injury in a double overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings, Orlando will have to find a way to survive without him while he rehabilitates. 

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"What happens in these situations, it just provides opportunity," head coach Jamahl Mosley said. "It provides opportunity for guys to step in and show the work that they've done for themselves but also the work that these coaches have done with them. And so no matter who we have, guys are going to step in and step up and play the right way."

Wagner's injury was described as a right ankle sprain and there was no timeline given for his return, with the team saying that it would be dependent on how he responds to rehab and treatment on the ankle. 

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In his absence, players like Caleb Houstan, Trevelin Queen and Chuma Okeke will be seeing more playing time. Houstan, Queen and Okeke all played over 20 minutes in each of the Magic's last two games as the rotation has been thinned due to injuries. 

Orlando will have to replace Wagner's production, as he is averaging 20.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 33.4 minutes per game, all of which are career-highs. He is, however, having the worst shooting season of his career, hitting 46.7 percent of his shots from the field and just 28.8 percent from beyond the arc.