NBA star from Berlin
Breathe a sigh of relief with Franz Wagner: the worst fears are not there
12/9/2025 – 3:06 a.mReading time: 2 min.
NBA star Franz Wagner had to limp off the field with support. The fear of an end to the season was great for the Berliner. Now there is the diagnosis.
The fears were great, but Franz Wagner was spared the worst. The German NBA basketball star only sprained his left ankle with the Orlando Magic – and did not suffer a torn cruciate ligament.
An MRI scan revealed this, his club said. The 24-year-old’s return depends on how he responds to treatment. NBA expert Shams Charania wrote on X that such an injury usually results in a downtime of two to four weeks.
Wagner can therefore continue to hope to be able to play against the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA game in his hometown of Berlin on January 15, 2026. The world and European champion sustained the injury in the away game at the New York Knicks on Sunday. After a foul by compatriot Ariel Hukporti, Wagner twisted his left leg and had to leave the field limping and supported by two people.
In view of the pictures, there were fears that the 24-year-old could have torn his cruciate ligament like his brother Moritz last season. This would very likely have been the end of Franz Wagner’s season.
It is still unclear whether Moritz Wagner will be at the game in the Uber Arena. The 28-year-old is about to make a comeback after his serious injury.
Franz Wagner is having a strong season in the NBA so far. After playing a major role in the German national team winning the European Championship title in Riga in September, he was also one of the top performers in the Magic team and has so far averaged 22.7 points per game.
