Franz Wagner starts in homecoming game vs. Grizzlies
Pamela Costello / National Basketball Association / Getty
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner was back in the starting lineup for Thursday's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies in his hometown of Berlin.
Wagner hadn't played since Dec. 7 when he sustained a high ankle sprain versus the New York Knicks. The Magic went 8-8 during his absence.
The fifth-year forward rejoins his brother, Moritz, who recently returned from an ACL tear after a yearlong rehab.
Franz was off to a solid start prior to the sprain, averaging 22.7 points, 6.1 boards, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals across 24 appearances this season.
His 17.3% assist percentage ranks in the 85th percentile among wing players, per Cleaning the Glass.
Orlando sits sixth in the East with a 22-18 record entering Thursday's play.