Franz

Wagner

After missing 16 games with a high ankle sprain, Wagner was back on the court Thursday afternoon in his hometown of Berlin. While the stat line did not include any steals or blocks, the rebounds and three-pointers were solid. Also encouraging for fantasy managers was his playing 27 minutes in his first game back. Wagner’s return meant fewer minutes for Noah Penda (nine points, five rebounds, two assists, one block and one three-pointer in 18 minutes), who is more valuable to dynasty leagues than redrafts.

Wagner has missed 16 straight games, but the German forward will be back in action for this international matchup. Tristan da Silva should see a reduction in playing time and usage, but Wagner may be on a minutes restriction after so much time on the sideline. Anthony Black is worth holding, as he has played well enough to remain in the rotation regardless of Wagner’s health.

Wagner has missed Orlando’s last nine games with a left high ankle sprain. He’s been replaced in the starting lineup by Anthony Black, and that should remain the case for the foreseeable future. Black is worth picking up, as he has provided top-50 per-game value over the past two weeks.

In Orlando’s first game without Franz Wagner (ankle), Black will slide into the starting unit. This will be Black’s fifth start this season, and he has generally been productive. Wagner is expected to miss multiple weeks, and if Black is able to maintain this starting role, he will be a must-roster player in most formats.

Franz landed awkwardly on his left leg during Sunday’s game, and while Charania’s report doesn’t include an official timeline from the team, managers should expect a multi-week absence. Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva both stepped up when Paolo Banchero missed time, and both should get a similar boost with Wagner unavailable.

Wagner went up for an alley-oop from Anthony Black and was fouled hard by Ariel Hukporti before landing awkwardly on his left leg. He will be re-evaluated when the Magic return to Orlando, so the severity of his injury is yet unknown. If he’s forced to miss time, Black, Tristan da Silva and Jett Howard are all candidates for increased run. Orlando’s next game will be an NBA Cup matchup with the Heat on Tuesday.

Wagner was in a slump with his three-point shot, making just six threes in his last eight games entering play Friday. The 24-year-old small forward got back on track against the Heat, knocking down four threes and leading the Magic to victory. Wagner had his first game with at least 30 points since his 37-point performance against the Knicks on November 22. The Magic still have one more game in Week 7, against the Knicks on Sunday.

Wagner had a chance to send Wednesday’s game into overtime, but San Antonio’s Luke Kornet blocked his layup attempt as time expired. The Magic forward has scored at least 21 points in four straight games, and he’s averaging 23 per game for the season. Wagner continues to close in on top-50 value in eight-cat formats and has already crossed that threshold in nine-cat. The Magic play two more games in Week 7, starting with the Heat on Friday.

Having turned in another efficient stat line, Wagner has scored at least 20 points in three straight and five of his last six games. The Magic have gone 7-2 since losing Paolo Banchero to a strained groin, and Wagner’s consistency is one reason for the excellent record. He’s provided top-75 value in eight- and nine-cat formats over the last nine games. While that doesn’t align with his Yahoo! ADP (36), it is still a good value for those who have Wagner rostered.

Wagner has scored at least 20 points in three of his last four and 15 of his 20 appearances this season. With Paolo Banchero (groin) out, the Magic have looked to Wagner more often, and on most nights, he has been up to the task. He finished Friday’s victory just a three-pointer and a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line, but managers will benefit from the points, rebounds and steals. The Magic play four games during Week 7, beginning with the Bulls on Monday.