Moe Wagner is set to make a triumphant return to the Magic after a 13-month absence, following a devastating torn ACL injury. The team announced his season debut on Sunday against the Pelicans in Orlando, marking a significant moment for the franchise.
Last year, Wagner was a rising star, a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, averaging an impressive 19.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. However, his promising career took a turn when he suffered the ACL tear during a Dec. 21, 2024, victory over the Heat. Since then, the Magic have endured a rollercoaster, with a recent 6-6 record in their last 12 games, currently sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a 21-18 record.
The team's struggles are further compounded by the absence of Jalen Suggs, who is out with a MCL contusion, missing his fifth straight game. Adding to the team's woes, Franz Wagner, Moe's brother and teammate, is also sidelined with an ankle sprain sustained in a loss to the Knicks on Dec. 7. Franz Wagner's strong start to the season, averaging 22.7 points and 6.1 rebounds, had him in the running for his first All-Star appearance, but his injury halted that momentum.
Moe Wagner's journey in the NBA began with the Lakers, who drafted him with the 25th pick in 2018. His return to the court is a testament to resilience and determination, as he looks to regain his form and contribute to the Magic's success.
