Franz Wagner left Friday's preseason win over the Heat with right shoulder soreness and is now listed day-to-day. He did not return to the 136-115 win, and Orlando will monitor him ahead of its next game, Oct. 21 against the Hawks.
What happened
Franz Wagner is listed day-to-day with a right shoulder injury, per the NBA injury report updated Friday, Oct. 16 at 10:09 p.m. ET. The listing specifies the arm and shoulder on his right side. Wagner exited Friday's 136-115 preseason win over the Heat with right shoulder soreness and did not return, Cody Taylor of USA Today reports. The report carries no previous status for this issue, making Friday's update the first word on it.
What it means for the Magic
Orlando's next game is Wednesday, Oct. 21 against the Hawks at 7 p.m. ET, the same date the injury report lists as Wagner's expected return. Last season Wagner averaged 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 30.0 minutes across 34 games. If he is out, the Magic can turn to Paolo Banchero (34.7 minutes, 22.2 points), Desmond Bane (33.6 minutes, 20.1 points), Anthony Black (29.8 minutes, 15.0 points), Wendell Carter Jr. (29.3 minutes, 11.8 points) and Jalen Suggs (27.6 minutes, 13.8 points). Orlando is 0-0, since the 2026-27 season has not started, so there is no record with or without him to cite yet.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Wagner's day-to-day tag changes before Wednesday. That report lists an expected return date of Oct. 21, which lines up with the opener against the Hawks, though his status for that specific game has not been announced. Until a new report comes out, his availability for the opener remains unsettled.
Is Franz Wagner playing vs Hawks?
He is listed day-to-day with right shoulder soreness. The injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 21, the same day as the Hawks game, but his status for that game is not announced.
When will Franz Wagner be back?
The injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 21, 2026.