Noah Penda has a partially torn right hamstring, reported October 17 with no timeline beyond a Nov. 18 estimate on the injury list. The Magic open the 2026-27 season Wednesday, October 21 against the Hawks with Franz Wagner's right shoulder still being evaluated.
Penda's setback is the biggest loss of the week.
Noah Penda partially tore his right hamstring in Friday's preseason finale against the Heat. The Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede reported it is a different part of the hamstring than his earlier camp injury. Penda is listed out with an estimated return of 2026-11-18, and Beede reported he is unsure how long he will be out. For a 21-year-old wing in his second year, a lost opening month is a real cost to his development.
Wagner's shoulder is the question that matters for the opener.
Franz Wagner exited Friday's game with right shoulder soreness. Beede reported that coach Sean Sweeney said the team will keep evaluating the shoulder, and that Wagner did some light work in Sunday's practice. Wagner is day-to-day with an estimated return of 2026-10-21, the night of the opener. Jase Richardson (back), Anthony Black (right ankle) and Jonathan Isaac (left knee) carry the same date. Izaiyah Nelson is out until about 2026-11-01.
The preseason said the offense can score.
Orlando won its last two preseason games, 132-116 over the Cavaliers and 136-115 over the Heat, after a 105-119 loss at Cleveland. Paolo Banchero scored 24 in both wins, and Desmond Bane added 23 against Miami. Banchero averaged 22.2 points last season, and the Magic went 45-37. Preseason scoreboards prove little, but the shot-making from Bane and Banchero is what this build needs from its two stars.
The roster is trimmed, and the cap offers little room.
The Magic waived Malaki Branham, JD Davison and Kevin Knox II on Saturday, leaving 17 names on the roster list. Payroll sits at $223.3M, above the second apron, with Wagner at $41.8M, Banchero at $41.5M and Bane at $39.4M. That leaves little room to answer injuries with a trade. Depth has to come from players already here, such as Tristan da Silva.
When do the Magic play their season opener?
Orlando opens the 2026-27 season on Wednesday, October 21 against the Hawks. Then they host the Timberwolves on October 23.
How long will Noah Penda be out?
Penda has a partially torn right hamstring, and the injury list shows an estimated return of November 18. He told the Orlando Sentinel he is unsure how long he will be out.
