NBA Notes: Magic, Mo Wagner, Blazers, Deni Avdija, Knicks

Magic

Magic center Moritz Wagner is expected to make his season debut Sunday against the Pelicans, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel confirmed Wagner will suit up barring a setback, noting the 28-year-old is officially listed as probable. Wagner hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since December 21, 2024, when he tore the ACL in his left knee.

Coach Jamahl Mosley recently said Wagner has steadily ramped up his workload, including contact drills and scrimmages. Prior to the injury, Wagner was enjoying the best season of his career, averaging 12.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 18.8 minutes across 30 games.

His return should help an Orlando offense that ranks 20th in the league. The Magic sit at 21-18, currently eighth in the Eastern Conference.

Wagner’s availability Sunday also puts him on track to play next week in Berlin, Germany, his hometown. Brother Franz Wagner remains out with a high left ankle sprain, while Jalen Suggs continues to miss time with a right knee MCL contusion.

Trail Blazers

Rockets forward Tari Eason recently suggested officiating played a role in the difficulty of defending Deni Avdija, a comment Avdija didn’t shy away from addressing.

“That made me laugh, for real,” Avdija told Joe Freeman of The Oregonian. Avdija noted his aggressive downhill style and willingness to initiate contact, adding that drawing fouls is a byproduct of how he plays, not the goal.

Avdija currently leads the NBA in free throw attempts and makes.

Meanwhile, Blazers center Robert Williams III exited Friday’s win over Houston early with a right knee injury, the team announced. Williams, who has dealt with repeated knee issues, is headed for unrestricted free agency and has surfaced in trade chatter this season.

Knicks

As Mitchell Robinson approaches free agency, playoff performance may ultimately shape his market, writes Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.

Several teams, including the Wizards, Clippers, Lakers, Jazz, Nets and Bulls, could have cap flexibility this summer. ESPN’s Bobby Marks projects Robinson could command a full mid-level exception deal, assuming good health and postseason impact.