The Orlando Magic have officially ruled out Franz Wagner for Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, dealing a significant blow to a team on the verge of making history. The 24-year-old forward is sidelined with a right calf strain, an injury he sustained during Game 4 on Monday—a hard-fought 94-88 victory that gave Orlando a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Wagner was initially listed as questionable for Game 5 on Wednesday, but the Magic made the call to hold him out before tip-off in Detroit. This isn't the first time this season the versatile wing has been forced to the sideline. A left high ankle sprain limited him to just 48 regular-season appearances, and though he managed to suit up for six of the team's final seven games heading into the postseason, this latest setback has left his return timeline uncertain.

Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley offered a cautious update on Wagner's status earlier this week. "I think it is always going to depend on how he responds to the treatment day to day," Mosley said. "Just being off of it for now and getting constant treatment around the clock is going to be important. I don't know if there is a timeline to it, but just being able to see how he responds day to day as we go forward."

The absence of Wagner, widely regarded as Orlando's top perimeter defender, was painfully felt in Game 5. The Magic fell 115-109, as Pistons star Cade Cunningham erupted for a franchise playoff-record 45 points. Paolo Banchero matched that scoring output with a dazzling 45-point performance of his own, but it wasn't enough to overcome 14 missed free throws (16-for-30) and a crushing 49-33 rebounding deficit. Jamal Cain, who started in Wagner's place, managed just five points and four rebounds.

Now, the series shifts back to Central Florida for a pivotal Game 6 on Friday at 7 p.m. EDT on Prime Video. The Magic are chasing their first playoff series victory in 16 years, and they'll need to close out the Pistons without one of their most impactful two-way players. Despite the setback, the locker room remains confident they can rally together and get the job done. As Mosley put it, the team knows exactly what Wagner brings to the floor—and they'll have to find a way to make up for it together.