Despite a positive outlook, Wagner will miss the most games of his career. He’d missed just 15 in his first three seasons.

Franz Wagner was playing at an All-NBA level when he tore his right oblique in early December. It was the first major injury of his career, but, compared to seeing his brother (and Orlando Magic teammate),

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In a back-and-forth contest between the East’s No. 3 and 4 seeds, the Magic limited New York to its lowest point total of the season on Monday night.

In spite of the Magic entering the matchup without a player who is averaging double-digit points on the season, they continued to play the Knicks tough. The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with the Magic ahead, 53-51 after a last second Jett Howard three to take the lead.

Injuries have plagued the Orlando Magic this season. With Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero out due to injuries, it has allowed guys like Cole Anthony to step up to the plate. He dropped 24 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while shooting 50% from the field and three.

Monday’s loss marked the Knicks’ third straight defeat, exposing the fragility of their already short rotation.

Karl-Anthony Towns is sidelined Monday night with a sore right knee, leaving the New York Knicks without the NBA's leading rebounder for their game against the Orlando Magic. Towns appeared to be hurting near the end of the Knicks' loss in Chicago on Saturday and was listed as questionable to play Monday.

The injury he suffered late Saturday night against the Bulls forced him to miss his third game of the season for the Knicks.

Meanwhile, the Magic's injury woes cost them a lead over the Knicks in the Eastern Conference standings. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are out due to oblique injuries, and Moritz Wagner is out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

The Toronto Raptors play against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden The Toronto Raptors are spending $20,626,273 per win while the New York Knicks are spending $7,972,531 per win Game

The Knicks are reportedly exploring options for both a backup center and a reliable wing off the bench. Adding depth behind Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart would alleviate the starters' heavy minutes and allow Tom Thibodeau to trust his second unit to maintain offensive flow.