Franz Wagner, out on the injury report, will return against the Grizzlies in Berlin

The The Orlando Magic will get a big boost in front of its international list, with Franz Wagner it no longer appears on the team’s injury report and is expected to return Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin, Germany.

Orlando (22-18) opens its Global Games back-to-back against Memphis (17-22) at 2pm ET on Prime Video. Wagner’s absence comes after a 16-game absence caused by a suffered a high ankle sprain on Dec. 7 in a 106-100 loss to the New York Knicks. He exited that game seven minutes after recording seven points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.

The Magic’s injury report released Wednesday morning listed only Jaylen Sugg (right knee MCL contusion) and Collin Castleton (fractured left thumb), confirming Wagner’s availability for the first time since early December. His return brings back the centerpiece of Orlando’s rotation as the club continues to stay above .500 entering the midseason mark.

Before the injury, Wagner was among the Magic’s most consistent players. The 24-year-old is averaging 22.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range in 24 appearances. He logged 33.4 minutes per contest and remained the primary option on both ends of the floor.

The Wagner brothers will play as the Magic face Grizzlies in Berlin

The timing of Wagner’s return adds significance given the setting. Berlin is Wagner’s hometown, and the match represents a rare opportunity to play a regular season NBA game in front of a home crowd. That story extends to his brother Moritz Wagner, who also does not appear on the injury report and will play alongside Franz in Germany.

Moritz Wagner recently made his season debut after recovering from a torn ACL suffered last December. He contributed eight points, two rebounds and two assists in Orlando’s 128-118 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, marking another step forward in the Magic’s frontcourt depth.

Both Wagner brothers are Berlin natives who developed through Alba Berlin’s youth system and played for the club’s senior team before heading to Michigan. Their availability positions Orlando to showcase both players on the floor in their home country as part of the league’s international showcase.

After Thursday’s contest, the Magic and Grizzlies will meet again Sunday at 12:00 PM ET on Prime Video in London, ending Orlando’s European sweep.