The Magic have missed Wagner’s scoring, rebounding and relentless energy during his nearly 13-month absence. He had emerged as an NBA Sixth Man of the Year candidate before his injury last season, averaging 12.9 points and 4.9 rebounds and shooting a career-best 36.0 percent from 3-point range.

The Magic opened the year in miserable fashion, dropping four of their first five games, including a loss to Philadelphia. Since that slow start, Orlando has found its footing. Their offense now ranks 16th in the league, while their defense sits 11th overall, just outside the top 10.

Down the road over the next few months, a lot of Orlando Magic fans will remember Tuesday's loss in Washington D.C. as one that got away.  Since the Miami Heat

After back-to-back road games against the Wizards and Nets, the Magic return home when they host the Philadelphia 76ers at Kia Center on Friday.

Paolo Banchero banked in a 3-pointer from the top of the key at the overtime buzzer to give the Orlando Magic a 104-103 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.

Alas, Michael Porter Jr. was a proud nonconformist once more. During and beyond the opening frame, he continued to hit greens like Tiger Woods at Augusta National in ’97. He poured in 12 first period points while shooting 5-9 from the field. He scored or assisted on 15 of Brooklyn’s first 19 points to begin the evening.

The Orlando Magic were left again alternating wins and losses as their inconsistencies and frustration cost them against the Philadelphia 76ers.

CJ McCollum scored 27 points and steadied the Wizards after they nearly blew a 26-point lead as Washington held on for a 120-112 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Following Friday’s loss against the Sixers, the Magic have now alternated between wins and losses for 12 consecutive contests. “Nobody likes to lose,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley