The NBA’s European swing delivered high drama as the Orlando Magic edged out the Memphis Grizzlies in a historic regular-season contest in Berlin. Now, the action shifts to London, where the two teams are set for an immediate rematch, but the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the triumphant return of Magic forward Franz Wagner.
Wagner, a critical piece of Orlando’s success, stepped back onto the court after a five-week absence due to a high ankle sprain. His return was perfectly timed, helping propel the Magic to a 118-111 victory over the Grizzlies this past Thursday. While the win was sweet—especially playing in Wagner’s hometown of Berlin—the 24-year-old acknowledged that shaking off the cobwebs is an ongoing process.
Wagner’s Return: Relief and Reality
For any elite athlete, watching from the sidelines is difficult; returning to the speed of NBA competition presents its own challenges. Wagner, who boasts impressive season averages of 22.5 points and 6.2 rebounds, admitted to feeling the pressure leading up to the Berlin game. His focus throughout his rehab was singular: be ready for that moment.
“I am definitely a little relieved, even though it was a lot of fun,” Wagner stated ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated London matchup against the same Grizzlies squad. He recognized the gap between rehabilitation drills and live-game intensity.
The Speed of the Game
“Every time you come off of an injury it’s normal to kind of be a little rusty physically as well and get used to the speed of the game,” Wagner explained. “You can rehab all you want, you can’t really mimic the speed of NBA athletes for that amount of time.”
In the Berlin contest, Wagner put up a solid 18 points and nine rebounds, though he also tallied four turnovers—a common byproduct of regaining timing and rhythm. Despite these minor hiccups, the overall sentiment from the Magic star was overwhelmingly positive. His final assessment: “I feel good.” This reassurance is paramount for the Magic as they navigate the demanding schedule, especially with the team also integrating his older brother, Moritz Wagner, back from a significant knee injury.
London Awaits: The Immediate Rematch
The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies are not getting any time to adjust to new opponents. The NBA’s international series continues as the teams transition from Germany to the O2 Arena in London for their second consecutive contest. This series marks the 10th regular-season game held in London, continuing the league’s commitment to global engagement.
For the Grizzlies, Thursday’s loss offers an immediate opportunity for redemption against a Magic side that looked energized by Wagner’s presence. For Orlando, the goal will be maintaining momentum while ensuring Wagner’s minutes are managed effectively to prevent re-injury or burnout as he ramps up his conditioning.
Key Takeaways from Berlin
Thursday’s game highlighted Orlando’s ability to rally, securing a victory despite the inherent difficulties of playing an international fixture following intense travel and focus shifts. The Magic demonstrated resilience, which will be tested again in the high-energy atmosphere expected in London. The ability of role players to step up while Wagner finds his peak form will be crucial in the coming weeks.
The NBA London Game ’26 is more than just a fixture; it’s a high-stakes exhibition where team chemistry forged in the pressure cooker of international travel often translates into regular-season gains. As Wagner continues to integrate back into the starting lineup, every minute he spends on the court against the Grizzlies will be vital in ensuring that the rust is completely shed before the grind of the late regular season sets in.
Fans on both sides are eager to see if Wagner can elevate his performance from 'good' to 'dominant' in London, a true test of his recovery and readiness for a deep playoff push later in the season. The Orlando Magic are clearly optimistic, banking on their star forward regaining his All-Star caliber form sooner rather than later.
