Overview
- Moritz Wagner made his first NBA appearance since a December 2024 ACL tear, posting 8 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in roughly 10 minutes during Orlando’s 128–118 win over New Orleans, drawing standing ovations in Orlando.
- Orlando flew out immediately after the game and is set to face the Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin on January 15 at the Uber Arena, the league’s first regular-season game on German soil, with Prime Video carrying the broadcast.
- Franz Wagner remains sidelined by a left ankle sprain and says he hopes to return in Berlin, as team officials emphasize long-term health over a rushed comeback.
- Moritz Wagner has questioned the tight travel and dense event schedule around the Berlin trip, citing limited acclimatization time and multiple daily commitments.
- The Berlin showcase comes as the NBA advances its European strategy, with a proposed NBA Europe competition targeted to launch in October 2027.