Moritz Wagner makes comeback in time for Berlin game, Franz doubtful

Orlando Magic star Moritz Wagner made his comeback on Sunday in perfect time to feature in Thursday's first NBA regular season game in his native Germany.

The world champion has been unable to play in the NBA for more than a year because of a cruciate ligament tear and missed the European Championship title win with Germany in 2025.

Orlando won 128-118 against the New Orleans Pelicans at home after trailing for long spells. Wagner had eight points, two rebounds and two assists in his 10 minutes.

“I honestly tried to stay away from the emotional part to the best that I can,” Wagner told reporters. “Obviously, it means a lot to me. I’m kind of relieved now. Got it over with. I’m excited that we got it over with and now we can act like it never happened.”

Whether Moritz's brother Franz, four years younger, will be able to play for the Magic in Berlin against the Memphis Grizzlies remains to be seen. He has been missing for about a month and 16 games with a sprained left ankle.

“I think everything,” Franz said when asked about what it would mean to play in his home city of Berlin.

“We both literally remember growing up in Germany and remember how far the NBA can feel away. With social media, I think that changed a little bit. But I think it’s going to do wonders for German basketball. For young people watching that game, it’s going to hopefully give them a big boost and make it seem possible and real to them."

The NBA is looking to launch a European league from 2027.