Franz Wagner ruled out for Game 6 for Magic: How it helps Pistons
Orlando Magic star Franz Wagner is out for Game 6 vs. the Pistons. Here's how it will help the Pistons on the floor:
A key Orlando Magic player has been sidelined once again for Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons . Magic forward Franz Wagner (right calf strain) was listed as out on the availability report on Thursday, April 30, after missing Game 5 on Wednesday. The Pistons won the game at Little Caesars Arena, 116-109, to fight off elimination and force another game in Orlando on Friday.
Wagner, who spent two years in college at Michigan, exited Game 4 in Orlando on Monday late in the third quarter with 19 points. The forward has been key to the Magic's success this season, and they missed his presence on Wednesday. MORE: Detroit Pistons needed every breath of Cade Cunningham's reborn wind "I hate to miss any game, especially in this situation," Wagner told reporters in the locker room before Game 5 .
"I think there are things that are really important. Obviously, we know the history of other guys who have gotten hurt. You've got to be careful with this kind of injury.
" Wagner was Orlando's primary defender, over the first four games of the series, on Cade Cunningham, who set a Pistons playoff record with 45 points in their Game 5 win. According to NBA Stats , Cunningham shot 7-for-22 through the first four games with Wagner as his assignment . Pontiac native and Oakland alumnus Jamal Cain replaced Wagner in the starting lineup but struggled to slow Cunningham and finished with five points and four rebounds while going 3-for-7 at the free throw line.