Franz Wagner has been instrumental in the Orlando Magic's climb to the top of the Southeast Division.

The first-place Magic will now have to press on without their leading scorer for what will likely be several weeks.

Wagner was diagnosed with a torn right oblique on Saturday and will be side-lined indefinitely.

He'll be re-evaluated in four weeks, and a projected return date will be determined depending on how his treatment progresses.

 

Franz Wagner has been diagnosed with a torn right oblique.

Wagner will be out indefinitely and his return to play will depend on how he responds to treatment.

He will be re-evaluated in four weeks. pic.twitter.com/JvgxX3Uemu

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 7, 2024

Wagner, who agreed to a five-year, $224 million extension with Orlando over the summer, leads the Magic with averages of 24.4 points per game and 5.7 assists per contest. He also ranks fourth on the team with an average of 5.6 rebounds.

Wagner is coming off his third consecutive 30-point game, and the Magic are 10-3 when he reaches his scoring average. They are 6-6 when he scores 24 or less.

Thanks to Wagner's play, Orlando has jumped out to a 16-9 start, and entered Saturday with a 2 1/2-game lead atop the Southeast Division.

The good news for the Magic is Paolo Banchero should be back on the court soon after suffering a torn oblique of his own.

Banchero averaged 29 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists through the season's first five games before sustaining his injury. Orlando was hoping the former No. 1 overall pick would be back before the end of December.