Franz Wagner returned to the Magic lineup Thursday night against the Blazers, scoring a team-high 20 points in a 101-79 home loss.

Portland Trail Blazers starting center Deandre Ayton, considered a key trade chip for Portland this season (or, at least, hoped to be one by Trail Blazers brass

The Magic went 7-13 without Franz Wagner, who played the expected 24 minutes on Thursday. Orlando also lost center Moritz Wagner, Franz’s older brother, to a season-ending knee injury, and Suggs, who missed his 10th game with a lower back strain.

Anfernee Simons scored 21 points and the Portland Trail Blazers extended their winning streak to three with a 100-79 victory over Orlando on Thursday night, spoiling the return of Magic forward Franz Wagner.

After sitting out the previous 20 games, Franz Wagner bounces back with 20 points in a losing display for the Orlando Magic

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.

The Orlando Magic (23-22) are hosting the Portland Trail Blazers (15-28) on Thursday night; the time, TV channels, and free live

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, left, loses control of the ball as he is defended by Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) AP AP

Orlando will aim to stop its three-game road skid when the Magic play Miami. The teams meet Monday for the first time this season.

Banchero, Wagner and Suggs collectively made eight consecutive shots without a miss in a 20-4 run to break open a tight game. Wagner, 1-for-12 from the field through the first three quarters, made nine of 10 shots in the final period for 25 points.

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