Magic center Moritz Wagner out for the season after knee surgery

ORLANDO – Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner sustained a left knee injury during last night's game against Miami. An MRI conducted on Sunday confirmed that Wagner has torn his anterior cruciate ligament. As a result, he will undergo surgery and be sidelined for the rest of the 2024-25 season.

The Magic have been hit hard by injuries this season, with top scorers Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero already sidelined long-term due to torn obliques. And now with Mo, t

he backup center and the older brother of injured forward Franz Wagner, out for the remainder of the season, the team faces an even greater challenge in sustaining depth and consistency. 

Banchero missed his 25th game Saturday night and Franz Wagner missed his fifth game. The Magic also played Saturday without guard Jalen Suggs, who was a late scratch after injuring his ankle in a game against Oklahoma City on Thursday night.

Mo Wagner 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.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.