Magic's Struggles Continue Despite Franz Wagner's Return

Orlando suffers fifth straight loss as offensive and defensive woes deepen with key players still sidelined.

Franz Wagner returned to the court after a 20-game absence, scoring a team-high 20 points in 24 minutes, but his efforts were not enough to lift the Magic past the Trail Blazers.
Orlando shot just 34.2% from the field and committed 22 turnovers, leading to a 101-79 loss against Portland, marking their lowest scoring game of the season.
The Magic have now lost nine of their last twelve games, with their record falling to 23-23 and their Eastern Conference standing slipping to eighth place.
Key players like Jalen Suggs, Goga Bitadze, and Cole Anthony remain sidelined, while reintegrating returning players like Wagner and Paolo Banchero has proven challenging for team chemistry.
Orlando's defensive identity has faltered, with their defensive rating dropping from league-best in November to 17th in the last ten games, compounded by offensive struggles including a league-low 27.5% from three-point range in that span.