The Orlando Magic will meet the Miami Heat on Friday. Despite a strong start to the season, the Magic have been without key players in their recent stretch, most notably Paolo Banchero and Moe Wagner.
Here is the latest on their status and whether they are expected to return on Friday.
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Magic Injury Report and Updates
As of Dec. 4, three players are on the Orlando Magic’s injury list, all considered key contributors: Paolo Banchero and the Wagner brothers, Franz and Moe.
Moe Wagner has yet to play this season. He tore the ACL in his left knee last year after appearing in 30 games, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. While reports indicated he was expected to return this year, he remains sidelined and is listed as out for Friday’s game against the Miami Heat.
As of now, there is no definitive timetable for his return. ACL injuries typically require nine to 12 months of recovery, making it likely he could return in the first quarter of 2026 or later in the season
However, Moe will still remain absent in the Magic’s upcoming game against the Heat, as he is listed as out in the latest injury report. As of this writing, there is still no definite timetable for his return to the court.
For reference, ACL injuries typically take nine to 12 months of recovery. With that in mind, it’s likely that Wagner could make his return by the first quarter of 2026, if not in the second half of the season.
Banchero has been upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game. The Magic star has missed 10 games with a left groin strain sustained in the first half of Orlando’s Nov. 12 matchup against the New York Knicks. With his status upgraded, Banchero addressed his potential return, expressing optimism.
“It means a lot,” Banchero said about potentially returning on Friday. “You don’t take any opportunity to be on the court for granted, and I’ve been doing a lot to get back on the court, really ramping up trying to get back out there with the guys. So hopefully I’m able to go.”
“It means a lot,” Paolo Banchero said about having the chance to play Friday. “You don’t take any opportunity to be on the court for granted and I’ve been doing a lot to get back on the court, really ramping up trying to get back out there the guys. So hopefully I’m able to go.” https://t.co/UVXIvkDRCs pic.twitter.com/iti7NUtmx0
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) December 5, 2025
Franz Wagner is listed as available despite a facial injury that requires him to wear a protective mask. In addition, G League players Jamal Cain, Colin Castleton and Orlando Robinson are also out.