Is Moritz Wagner all right? A question that would’ve spilled across the minds of attendees at Kia Center as the Magic–Heat game was underway. Amid a season filled with players being repeatedly sidelined, including many more than a few from the Magic squad itself, Moe was coming out as the exception. After all, he had played in all his team’s 29 games and was a reliable backup for Goga Bitadze on the offensive front. Therefore, it creates all the more concern for fans in the light of recent events.

Earlier today, the 27-year-old center sustained a left knee injury. He immediately returned to the locker room and will not return for the remaining duration of the game. According to reports, Moe will undergo further testing to determine the specifics and severity of the injury. In his absence, Jonathan Isaac and Caleb Houstan will see increased roles sans Moritz Wagner.

No sooner had this update made waves on social media than reactions started to pour in from all sides.

How did fans react to Moritz Wagner’s injury?

One social media user wrote, “Hes out for the season, probably tore his mcl”. No confirmation has been provided on the player’s injury since he is yet to go for further evaluation. So, any theories about him being out long-term are mere speculation, at this point.

One individual highlighted the streak of injuries that have continued to plague NBA players, even those from the Magic squad. “So are just going to lose everyone to injury aren’t we? Should get Paolo back at the right time with the injury bug showing itself”.

Paolo Banchero hasn’t played a game since late October. Being the highest average lead scorer for the Orlando Magic, with at least 29 points per game, his absence was expected to affect the team. Fortunately, his teammates were able to manage, and have put up a 14-10 record in his absence. With a 13.3 points per game score, however, Moritz Wagner was an important cog in helping his teammates manage the games. If he is sidelined for a long duration, then the Magic’s record can be further affected.

Another individual criticized the streak by stating, “What is happening?! We’re supposed 2 #makeitmagic not make it injuries all over the place! Wish everybody a full recovery 4 sure!”

Along with Banchero, the Orlando side listed 3 other players as ‘OUT’ for the Heat matchup. Jalen Suggs sustained an ankle injury as 1:36 minutes remained in the 2nd quarter of the previous matchup against the Thunder. At the time, they did not consider his ailment serious enough to keep him sidelined for the entirety of the game. He was soon spotted getting shots up at halftime and started in the third quarter. Unfortunately, his ailment turned out to be serious enough, forcing him to be benched vs the Heat.

Franz Wagner tore his right oblique during a Philadelphia 76ers matchup two weeks ago. They will re-evaluate him in the coming weeks. Gary Harris hasn’t played a single game in December, because of his hamstring injury. He is not set to return to the court anytime soon. These injuries occurring on a back-to-back basis are sure to affect any Orlando Magic fan.

Looking to seek an update, one individual wrote, “Please tell us if he’ll back soon”, accompanied by a couple of single teary-eyed emojis. As of now, the Orlando Magic management has not chosen to give any further updates. From an outsider’s viewpoint, however, it can be presumed that the injury Moritz Wagner sustained may be pretty serious. After all, it was a non-contact injury, but we’ve seen similar ones before that have turned out really bad.

Right after the incident, Moe seemingly tried grabbing his left knee. He told the training staff, “I can’t do it”. Franz sat in disbelief on the bench as this happened. Putting out a belief that was later echoed by many, an individual wrote, “Damn, the Magic are flat out cursed”.

Despite the injury troubles, the Magic seem to be doing well. With a previous 17-12 win record, they hold the 4th seed in the East. This allowed them to be in a better position than Milwaukee and Miami. Even without Moe during the last few minutes, the Magic squad won the recent Heat game by a 121-114 score. However, they head into the next few games without all top-4 of their scorers: Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Moritz Wagner. Whether this affects their seed is something that remains to be seen.

Overall, a majority of the reactions highlighted concern for Moritz Wagner and the Orlando Magic. The team is set to go up against the Boston Celtics, a franchise against whom they hold a 4-6 win record. Until more is known from official sources, it cannot be said for sure whether Moritz Wagner will be there to represent the team or not.