The final injury report is in for Hornets vs. Magic on January 22, 2026, and it could shape the game from the opening tip. Orlando will be without wing scorer Franz Wagner, while Charlotte lists LaMelo Ball as questionable with a thumb contusion. The Magic posted their official update on Thursday, setting the stage for a tactical, next-man-up battle in Orlando.

This is more than a list of names. It is the story of how both coaches will adjust in real time. Orlando carries a 23-19 record into the night and will lean on its depth around Paolo Banchero. Charlotte, at 16-28, needs every bit of creation from its young core, which makes Ball’s status the headline to watch.

Hornets vs. Magic injury report: who’s in, who’s out

The Magic confirmed a key absence: Franz Wagner is sidelined. With him out, rookie forward Tristan da Silva could rejoin the starting lineup to stabilize the wing rotation. Orlando will also be without Jalen Suggs (right knee MCL contusion) and two-way center Colin Castleton.

For Charlotte, the headline is clear: LaMelo Ball (right thumb contusion) is questionable. The Hornets also list Mason Plumlee out (right groin surgery), with Tre Mann questionable due to illness and Tidjane Salaun questionable with left Achilles tendinopathy.

“LaMelo’s thumb will decide the pace—full throttle or grind.”

What Orlando loses without Franz Wagner

Wagner’s absence matters on both ends. He is a steady wing scorer who helps carry the load next to Banchero, and he often guards tough matchups. Without him, Orlando may have to simplify some actions and lean even harder on Banchero’s shot creation and playmaking.

One quiet knock-on effect: spacing and driving lanes. Wagner pulls attention, even on off-ball actions. Without that gravity, the Magic will need clean execution and better screening to free up Banchero and the guards who step in for Suggs.

Tristan da Silva’s likely role tonight

The door opens for Tristan da Silva, who could return to the starting lineup. For a rookie, this is a big ask against a hungry Hornets team. His minutes on the wing are vital for lineup balance, and his presence can help keep Orlando’s rotations tidy with Wagner out.

The assignment is simple: be solid and connect the pieces. If he provides steady minutes, the Magic can keep their identity intact and allow Banchero to direct the offense without forcing shots.

“If Wagner sits, Banchero has to be the hub on every trip.”

LaMelo Ball injury status and what it means for Charlotte

Ball is questionable with a right thumb contusion, and that single line on the report could swing the game. When he plays, Charlotte’s offense has rhythm, pace, and easier shots for teammates. When he sits, touches shift and possessions can slow down.

Even if Ball plays, a thumb issue can impact passing feel and shooting touch. The Hornets may protect him with shorter bursts, careful matchups, or more off-ball movement. If he cannot go, more on-ball duty flows to other guards and wings, with Brandon Miller becoming a main scoring option.

Other injuries shaping the rotations

Orlando’s guard room misses Jalen Suggs. He adds point-of-attack defense and downhill force. Without him, there’s more pressure on the remaining ball handlers to keep turnovers low and protect the arc.

For Charlotte, Mason Plumlee’s absence continues to affect their size and screening. Tre Mann’s illness and Tidjane Salaun’s Achilles tendinopathy both cloud the backcourt and forward depth. The Hornets will need clean minutes from every healthy body to stay balanced.

“This feels like a next-man-up night for both benches.”

Numbers to know: Banchero, Miller and Ball

Paolo Banchero enters at 20.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists per game. Those numbers show a do-it-all star who can handle more usage when the roster is thin.

Brandon Miller matches the scoring punch at 20.5 points with 4.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He is a clean release valve for Charlotte, with the ability to get shots off in tight windows.

LaMelo Ball sits at 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists. If he plays, he changes the shot diet for everyone in teal. If he doesn’t, that creative edge is harder to replace.

Matchups and storylines to watch

• Banchero’s usage: With Wagner out and Suggs sidelined, expect more touches for Banchero. He can punish switches and draw help to kick to spot-up shooters.
• Hornets’ ball handling: If Ball is limited or out, the Hornets must protect the ball and find early offense for Miller. Easy points matter on the road.
• Bench swings: Both teams lean into depth. A hot shift from a reserve could decide a quarter and, maybe, the game.
• Fouls and free throws: Short-handed teams can’t afford early foul trouble. Watch who picks up two quick ones in the first half.

Context and stakes

The records tell a story. Orlando’s 23-19 mark puts them on steady footing, even with injuries. Charlotte at 16-28 needs momentum, and a road win over a playoff-aiming Magic squad would qualify as that.

Both clubs want to enter the back half of the season with clarity. For the Magic, that means surviving injury waves while growing their young core. For the Hornets, it means building habits that travel and letting Miller and Ball, when healthy, lead from the front.

The bottom line

This final injury report frames the night: Franz Wagner is out, LaMelo Ball is questionable, and rotations will stretch on both sides. If Orlando’s role players deliver steady minutes around Banchero, the Magic can keep control at home. If Charlotte finds pace and Miller gets clean looks—especially if Ball plays—the Hornets have a real shot to tilt the game.

Either way, expect a tough, possession-by-possession matchup where every extra rebound, every turnover, and every free throw matters. The margins are thin, and tonight’s health updates make them even thinner.