By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Five days before the Orlando Magic face the Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin’s Uber Arena, Franz and Moritz Wagner remain sidelined due to a left high ankle sprain and left knee injury recovery, respectively.
Before Friday’s loss, 103-91, to the Philadelphia 76ers at the Kia Center, head coach Jamahl Mosley provided updates on both players, without sharing a specific timeline for their return to action, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the NBA Berlin Game 2026.
“You think long-term. You want them to be ready for that Berlin game. They want to be ready for that Berlin game. And that’s the big key. And that’s the ideal world, but then the reality of what we’re facing is that you want them to be ready for the long term as well. We have a long season ahead of us, and you want them to be prepared and healthy as possible,” mentioned the 47-year-old tactician.
Since early December, 24-year-old Franz has been sitting, and 28-year-old Moritz has been out since December 2024, after surgery.
“Franz has been on the court, doing a little bit of contact stuff, just getting his cardio and conditioning up on the court,” the Magic play-caller shared.
“He’s been on the court. He’s been doing two-on-two, three-on-three, playing some games, doing some contact stuff. So, he’s slowly working his way back,” he added on the progress of Moe.
“It’s always going to depend on how they respond to those days, what we put in front of them,” explained Mosley.
Beyond a clash in the German capital on Thursday, the Magic and Grizzlies will also play in London’s O2 Arena next Sunday.
Fellow German option, Tristan Da Silva, was added to the injury report with back spasms and sat out the meeting with the Sixers. Elevated to a starting role for the first time in his NBA career, French Noah Penda got five points, seven rebounds, two blocks, one steal, and one assist in nearly 30 minutes. Georgian reserve Goga Bitadze had two points, three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. On the opposite side, Turkish Adem Bona stayed on the bench.
Forcing the Magic to 21-18, the 76ers improved to 21-15 in the 2025-26 Regular Season.