Franz Wagner has been instrumental in easing the absence of Paolo Banchero for the Orlando Magic. Over the past 10 games, Wagner has averaged an impressive 27.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7 assists. He aims to maintain this momentum when Orlando faces the visiting Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.
The Magic have thrived during Wagner’s remarkable stretch, achieving a 9-1 record, including a 95-84 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night. Wagner contributed a team-high 21 points and seven assists, but it was the bench that truly powered Orlando to victory.
Reserves Moritz Wagner (16 points), Cole Anthony (16), Jonathan Isaac (11), and Anthony Black (10) all scored in double figures, with the second unit accounting for 55.8 percent of the Magic’s points.
Coach Jamahl Mosley is hopeful that his team can continue to excel despite facing adversity. Banchero has been sidelined since October 30 due to a torn right oblique, and the Magic were also without Jalen Suggs (hamstring) and Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) on Monday. Guard Gary Harris managed only seven minutes before succumbing to a hamstring injury. Suggs and Carter are expected to return on Wednesday, but Harris has already been ruled out.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls, despite being less affected by injuries, have struggled to find their rhythm, posting a 5-9 record since the beginning of the month. However, they secured a victory in their last outing, defeating the Washington Wizards 127-108 on Tuesday night.
Coby White was among seven Bulls players scoring in double figures, finishing with 21 points and eight rebounds. Nikola Vucevic, a former Magic player, added 19 points and 12 boards.
While it was a strong showing for Chicago, it came against a Washington team with a dismal 2-14 record. Bulls coach Billy Donovan is eager to see how his team performs against the surging Magic.
Like Orlando, Chicago could receive a boost on Wednesday with the potential return of guard Lonzo Ball, who has been out for 15 games with a right wrist injury. Ball appeared in three games earlier this season, averaging 4.7 points off the bench.
