Although Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero are back, the Magic are still without Jalen Suggs and Goga Bitadze, two keys to defensive success.

Orlando will try to break its five-game skid when the Orlando Magic play Detroit. The teams meet Saturday for the first time this season.

Star forward Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic remains out due to a right oblique injury, missing his 19th consecutive game. Despite his absence, recovery is progressing well, with a potential return in seven to ten days.

Franz Wagner reflects on his return as the Magic fall 101-79 to the Trail Blazers, extending their losing streak to five games.

The full injury report for the Portland Trail Blazers and Orlando Magic heading into their Jan. 23 matchup, including an important update on Franz Wagner.

The Orlando Magic are set to host the Nikola Jokic-led Denver Nuggets in a regular-season matchup on Sunday. The Magic will once again be without star forward Franz Wagner, who is still recovering from a right oblique injury. Wagner sustained the injury on Dec. 6 and will miss his 19th consecutive game.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups used an early timeout during Thursday night’s 101-79 win at the Orlando Magic to encourage his team to play through the physicality allowed by the officials. “The tone was set very early in the game,” Billups told reporters.

Orlando Magic F Franz Wagner (torn right oblique) has started contact work and is ramping up towards a return. @CassidyHubbarth on the ESPN broadcast said she’s told Magic are hopeful he could be back within the next 7-10 days. Franz was recently elevated in his injury status

The Orlando Magic fell short against the Portland Blazers in a tough loss Thursday, 101-79, as Portland’s defensive firepower proved to be too much. Now, the Magic look to bounce back as they face the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Franz Wagner was set to return to the Orlando Magic lineup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night after missing 20 games with a torn oblique.

Wagner (oblique) contributed 20 points (9-19 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds and one block in 24 minutes during Thursday's 101-79 loss to the Trail Blazers.