The Magic Insider

Magic's Franz Injured, Moe Shines in Germany Win vs. Japan

Moe led the team while Franz was injured in the Wagner brothers' debut at the FIBA World Cup.

Jeremy Brener

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ORLANDO - Orlando Magic fans should be pleased and slightly concerned following Germany's 81-63 win against Japan in the first game of the FIBA World Cup.

On the bit of bad news, Franz Wagner appeared to sprain his ankle.

Germany coach Gordie Herbert told reporters after the game that Franz would be undergoing an MRI.

Franz had 10 points, six rebounds and five assists in his World Cup Debut.

Meanwhile, his brother Moe shined. He scored 25 points and nine rebounds in the win, leading the team.

While Moe's performance is promising, Magic fans should be more concerned than excited. Franz's injury is definitely more concerning for Magic fans down the road. However, Herbert has yet to presume it's anything more serious than an ankle sprain. He has yet to be ruled out for the team's next game and could return as soon as then. 

But given the fact that Germany is a tournament favorite, it may be wise to sit Franz until he heals and his presence becomes necessary as the tournament becomes more competitive in the later stages.

Germany is back in action Sunday when it faces Joe Ingles and Australia. The winner of the game will secure a spot in the second round. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 a.m. on ESPN+.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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