Franz

Wagner

Wagner finished his fourth NBA season with a solid performance in Orlando’s season finale. He scored at least 23 points and made at least 10 field goals in all five games. While teammate Paolo Banchero’s value in points leagues took a significant hit since he only appeared in 46 games, Wagner retained some of his value by appearing in 60. Regarding category leagues, Franz was a top-40 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. He exceeded his Yahoo! ADP (46), and stands to be a safe third- or fourth-round pick next fall. Wagner’s new contract kicks in next season, and he’ll earn nearly $38.7 million in 2025-26.

Wagner reached at least 20 points for the fourth time in as many games in Orlando’s opening-round series against Boston. He recorded multiple three-point makes for a second-straight game and led the Magic in assists along the way. The Magic could use another productive outing from Wagner in Tuesday’s Game 5 as they look to collect a second win and extend the series.

Wagner was hardly efficient with 32 points on 27 shots in Game 3, but with neither team reaching 100 points his point total was plenty. Wagner was one of only three Magic players in double figures in Game 3. He’ll have to continue scoring at a high level if the Magic are going to have a chance to even the series against the Celtics Sunday.

After shooting below 50 percent from the field and committing five turnovers in Sunday’s series-opening defeat, Wagner was more efficient in Game 2. He only committed two turnovers and was one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Given the struggles of Orlando’s supporting cast, the Magic will need an even better version of Wagner if they’re to have a chance of winning this series. The scene shifts to Orlando, with Game 3 set for Friday night.

Wagner did record a complete stat line in Sunday’s series opener, but the efficiency left something to be desired. Worse than the field goal percentage was the fact that he recorded as many turnovers as assists, finishing with five of each. Given the decided disadvantage the Magic are at offensively in this series, they’re going to need a consistently elite Wagner if they’re to have a chance of winning this series. He’ll look to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday.

Wagner struggled with his shot on Tuesday but contributed in other ways as Orlando earned the seventh seed in the East. The 13 rebounds were the most he’s grabbed in a game this season, and the Magic wing only hit double figures in that category twice before Tuesday. Add in the assists and steals; all wasn’t lost for DFS players who slotted Wagner into their lineups. That said, Wagner will need to be much better if the Magic are to have any chance of knocking off the Celtics in the first round.

Both the Magic’s star forwards have been ruled out again. Tristan da Silva and Caleb Houstan have a good shot at receiving starting nods against Atlanta.

Both star forwards sat out against Indiana on Friday, and since Sunday’s game won’t have any impact on the standings, it would be quite surprising if either Banchero or Wagner suited up. Tristan da Silva and Caleb Houstan should start in their place once again.

The Magic will rest both of their stars with nothing left to play for ahead of the play-in. Fantasy managers should expect Caleb Houston and Tristan da Silva to step up to fill starter spots at forward.

These are new injuries for Orlando’s star duo, and their availability will have significant ramifications in the world of silly season fantasy hoops. Caleb Houstan and Tristan da Silva would likely be the next ones up in the rotation, though the Magic will have to cover Banchero’s and Wagner’s absences by committee.