While Moritz Wagner has been waiting for his comeback for over a year, his brother Franz’s last NBA game was only a few weeks ago. According to a new report, both are on the verge of making their comeback—possibly even together.
Moritz Wagner’s long saga of suffering is likely to come to an end soon. In December 2024, he tore his cruciate ligament and has not played a single NBA game to date – including the entire 2025 calendar year. His brother Franz is also on his way back to the court. In December – last December, that is – the 24-year-old suffered a sprained ankle.
With just under a week and a half to go before the NBA Global Game in their hometown of Berlin, the Wagner brothers are getting closer and closer to their comeback. During the TV broadcast of the recent Orlando game against the Bulls, well-connected analyst Jeff Turner let slip: “From everything we’re hearing, Moritz and Franz are expected to return next week. That’s great news.”
According to reports, an exact schedule has not yet been set. However, it is conceivable that they could play during the upcoming away trip to Washington and Brooklyn.
Bad news for Magic: Suggs out for weeks
However, the good news comes with some bad news for the Magic. In the loss to the Bulls, point guard Jalen Suggs suffered a bruised medial collateral ligament in his knee, which will keep him out of action for several weeks.
This news is another setback for Orlando, which has already had to contend with numerous injuries this season. After just under a third of the season, the Magic (19-16) are in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings. Of the twelve games without Franz Wagner, they have won only five.
The NBA Berlin Game, in which the Magic will face the Memphis Grizzlies, will take place on January 15 at the Uber Arena in Berlin. It is the first time that a regular NBA season game will be played on German soil.
