Franz Wagner Returns in Magic Win vs. Bucks

Orlando is happy to have its star back as it beats Milwaukee.

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner looks on against the San Antonio Spurs. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Orlando Magic are playing the song for the third straight time after beating the Milwaukee Bucks 118-99 inside the Kia Center.

For the first time in his career, Franz Wagner came off the bench following a nine-game absence from a high ankle sprain. He scored 14 points in 17 minutes as the Magic pulled out the victory.

While the Magic struggled to make shots in the first half, especially from downtown, they managed to make up for it in the second half. Despite trailing by three points going into the locker room, the Magic outscored the Bucks 36-20 in the third quarter to take a double-digit lead that they would not relinquish.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins handles the ball in front of Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs. | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Magic Win Third Straight vs. Bucks

The Magic were led by Anthony Black, who scored a team-high 26 points on 8 of 13 shooting. Desmond Bane also had an efficient night with 25 on 8 of 11 shooting from the field. They were joined in double figures by the Wagner brothers, who each scored 14 points off the bench. Paolo Banchero struggled making just 3 of 11 from the field, but he joined them in double figures with 11 points.

The Bucks were led by Kevin Porter Jr., who scored a game-high 28 points on 10-of-19 shooting. AJ Green had 15 of his own, while Ryan Rollins added 14. Myles Turner pitched in 13, while Bobby Portis had 10 off the bench.

The win marks three straight for the Magic, who are gaining some steam going into the All-Star break. The Magic are still in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, which means they are on pace to be in the Play-In Tournament for the second year in a row. However, the Philadelphia 76ers are just two games ahead of the Magic, who are nipping at their heels to try and get a bye from having to participate in more games.

The Magic still have a long way to go to get where they want to be, but the fact they had their entire roster healthy for the first time in over a year is a positive sign of what could be coming.

The Magic and Bucks will play once more to close out the first half of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET inside the Kia Center. Fans can watch the game on FanDuel Sports Network or stream it on NBA League Pass.