The Orlando Magic are playing their best basketball of the season. However, much of their 2025-26 campaign has been pierced by injury.
They were dealt another blow to their rotation last weekend, with Anthony Black leaving after two minutes in the Magic's 119-92 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves with what appeared to be a back injury. Though a recent MRI revealed that Black suffered a "left lateral abdominal" strain, with his return being solely based on how he responds to treatment, the team announced.
The team also offered a similar update for return regarding Franz Wagner's ankle injury, which has sidelined him for 35 of the team's last 39 games, including 10 straight.
Anthony Black underwent an MRI yesterday, which showed a left lateral abdominal muscle strain. His return will depend on how he responds to treatment.
Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain) continues to progress. His return will continue to depend on how he responds to…
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 10, 2026
The Orlando Magic can't catch a break:
Orlando Magic
Nov 7, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) reacts after a basket against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The Magic are winners of 10 of their last 14 games, including two straight blowout wins over the Timberwolves and Giannis-less Milwaukee Bucks. They made some history with those two wins, too.
But the most important basketball remains in front of them. And it might come without one of its most important players.
Black, who has played in 60 of the team's 63 games, is experiencing a breakout season. He's averaging a career-high 15.3 points on 45.1 percent shooting and 55.2 percent shooting, in addition to 3.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals across 30.7 minutes per game.
He's unquestionably been one of the season's brightest stories, and now it appears Orlando is losing him for an undetermined amount of time as it makes its postseason push.
This is a breaking news story. Stay tuned for updates! Follow Orlando Magic OnSi for all your latest news and more!
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