Moritz

Wagner

Cater is back after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Hornets. His return means that Goga Bitadze, who logged 19 minutes on Thursday, will head to the bench. Moritz Wagner should remain in the backup center role.

Carter did not play in Thursday’s loss to the Hornets, sitting out due to a rib contusion. Goga Bitadze started but only played 19 minutes, with reserve Moritz Wagner also playing 19 minutes. That isn’t enough for either to offer reliable streaming value, especially with the Magic willing to go small for extended periods if needed.

WCJ is a late addition to the injury report, and his absence means Goga Bitadze could earn a spot start with Moritz Wagner backing him up. Bitadze has averaged 11.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks across two starts this season.

Carter was a very late addition to the injury report and will now officially be unavailable. Goga Bitadze and Moritz Wagner should fill out the center minutes for this game.

Wagner made his season debut less than two weeks ago, so this was his highest scoring performance since 2024. He was an excellent reserve scoring option for the Magic to start last year before tearing his ACL. This was a new season high for him in just 15 minutes. He’ll continue to be a reliable scoring option off the bench, but with Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze both healthy, he won’t play enough minutes to provide value in standard leagues.

WCJ is good to go for Thursday’s game in Berlin, and he could slot back into the starting lineup. His return should mean fewer minutes for Goga Bitadze and Moritz Wagner.

After more than a year on the sidelines recovering from a torn ACL, Wagner made his first appearance of the season on Sunday. Due to the time missed, his minutes were limited, but the reserve forward/center was productive in ten minutes on the floor. Since the Magic were without Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze (14/13/1/3/2) played 32 minutes as the starting center. Once Carter returns and Wagner’s minutes aren’t restricted, Bitadze’s opportunities will take a hit.

Wagner tore his ACL 13 months ago, and he’ll finally return to the court against New Orleans. He had been playing well before the injury, and while he’ll be eased back into things, he’ll eventually take some of the backup center minutes, which will cut into Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze’s minutes.

Used primarily as a reserve, Bitadze is not in a great spot to provide consistent fantasy value. However, Moritz Wagner (knee) is expected to miss the start of the regular season, and starter Wendell Carter Jr. surpassing 60 games played twice in his first seven seasons, there may be streaming opportunities for Goga. He isn’t a player worth drafting, but he should remain on the radar of managers willing to select Carter in their drafts.

While the Magic may be able to get Jalen Suggs back from his knee injury by opening night, Wagner is “further away” in his recovery process, according to general manager Jeff Weltman. Wagner suffered a torn left ACL just before Christmas, leaving the Magic light on post depth. Starter Wendell Carter Jr. and backup Goga Bitadze are healthy going into training camp, and the Magic added Orlando Robinson on a two-way contract. Wagner was not going to be a draftable player in most fantasy leagues if healthy, but there may have been moments when he offered streaming value based on Carter’s injury history.