Magic Make Franz Wagner Decision Before Game 7 Against Pistons
The Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons enter a decisive Game 7 on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena after a 3-1 series shifted to 3-3.
Orlando held a 24-point lead in Game 6 before losing 93-79, scoring just 19 second-half points. Detroit has now won two straight, forcing a final game in the first-round matchup.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner played a key role in the first four games, averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals, after averaging 20.6 points and 5.2 rebounds during the regular season, appearing in 34 games.
The 24-year-old also served as the primary defender on Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, limiting him to 17 total points on 6-for-24 shooting with six turnovers across those contests.
However, the Magic ruled Wagner out for Game 7 on Saturday with a right calf strain, marking his third consecutive missed game since the injury occurred in the third quarter of Game 4.
An MRI confirmed the strain after that game, and Wagner has not returned to action since.
Without Wagner, Detroit's offense has shifted significantly. Cunningham is averaging 38.5 points over the past two games while shooting 50 percent from the field and 58 percent from three-point range, according to tracking data. Orlando has lost both games Wagner has missed.
Injuries 5/3
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 3, 2026
ORL:
Jonathan Isaac - Doubtful
Franz Wagner - Out
DET:
Kevin Huerter - Questionable
TOR:
Brandon Ingram - Questionable
Immanuel Quickley - Out
CLE:
None
"Whether it was offensive rebounds or heating up their pressure to get steals, it really kind of took us out of our stuff," Desmond Bane said. "It's going to be hard to win games (when) you score 19 points in a half."
Orlando will now attempt to advance without him after leading the series 3-1, with tipoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET.
Related: Raptors Update Brandon Ingram's Status for Game 7 vs. Cavaliers
Related: Timberwolves Announce Ayo Dosunmu Update Before Game 1 vs. Spurs
Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 11:03 AM.