By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Moritz Wagner will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season, ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed.
After an early exit on the latest edition of NBA Saturdays, further evaluation revealed a torn ACL in his left knee.
With 2:33 left in the first quarter, the 27-year-old German big left the meeting with fellow Florida franchise Miami Heat in Kia Center. Immediate concerns regarding a potential serious injury were confirmed by the Orlando Magic on Sunday.
Per the press release: “Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner suffered an injury to his left knee with 2:33 left in the first quarter last night against Miami. He underwent an MRI today and results revealed that Wagner has sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Wagner will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
Wagner (6’11”, 250, 4/26/97) has played in all 30 games (one start) this season with Orlando, averaging 12.9 ppg., 4.9 rpg. and 1.4 apg. in 18.8 minpg., while shooting .562 (140-249) from the floor. As of Dec. 22, he ranked second in the NBA in points scored off the bench (372) and 15th in field goal percentage. Wagner led (or tied) the team in scoring once and in rebounding four times. He scored in double figures 23 times, 20+ points twice and 30+ points once, including a career-high 32 points on Dec. 15 vs. New York.
Originally selected in the first round (25th overall) of the 2018 NBA Draft by the L.A. Lakers, Wagner has played in 363 career NBA regular season games (57 starts) with the Lakers, Washington, Boston and Orlando, averaging 9.2 ppg., 4.0 rpg. and 1.2 apg. in 16.7 minpg., while shooting .525 (1,187-2,259) from the floor and .807 (694-860) from the free throw line.
Wagner was originally signed as a free agent by Orlando on Apr. 27, 2021. He has appeared in 241 NBA regular season games (33 starts) with the Magic, averaging 10.5 ppg., 4.3 rpg. and 1.3 apg. in 18.0 minpg., while shooting .537 (905-1,686) from the floor and .807 (531-658) from the free throw line.”
Wagner joins a packed injury list for the Magic with his younger brother Franz Wagner among the members. The 23-year-old German forward is out through the last two weeks with a torn right oblique.
Despite missing several players, the team coached by Jamahl Mosley currently sits fourth in the standings of the Eastern Conference and leads the Southeast Division. Carrying an 18-12 record amid a seven-game homestand, action resumes with the Boston Celtics visiting Orlando on Monday.
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