The final injury report for the Denver Nuggets–Orlando Magic clash on December 18, 2025, landed with real weight for Orlando. Two key starters, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, are out. The league’s official 1:30 PM ET injury report also lists forward Tristan da Silva as questionable, while several two-way players remain unavailable. Denver, meanwhile, appears in the league document with its own absences, adding another layer to a matchup already shaped by availability rather than tactics.

This is the kind of night where the rotation tells the story. Injuries don’t just pull points off the board; they change identity. And for Orlando, missing Wagner and Suggs changes the look on both ends.

Nuggets vs. Magic injury report: the headlines that matter

The top line is clear and confirmed:

• Franz Wagner — Out (left high ankle sprain), his third straight missed game.
• Jalen Suggs — Out (left hip contusion).
• Moritz Wagner — Out (left knee; injury recovery).
• Tristan da Silva — Questionable (right shoulder contusion).
• Two-way/G League: Colin Castleton (left thumb fracture), Jamal Cain, and Orlando Robinson — all listed out.

Athlon Sports underscored the headline absence: “Orlando has ruled out Wagner due to a high left ankle sprain as he will miss his third consecutive contest.” That’s not just a note; it’s the shape of Orlando’s offense and spacing.

“No Franz and no Suggs? Orlando’s defense will have to reinvent itself tonight.”

What Orlando loses without Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs

Franz Wagner is a big wing who can score, pass, and switch. He gives the Magic balance. Without him, Orlando loses an important creator who helps keep the floor spaced. His drives set up corner threes and easy dump-offs. His size helps on switches. Missing three straight games means the team has already adjusted some, but the ceiling dips without him.

Jalen Suggs brings juice at the point of attack. He is a tone-setter on defense. With Suggs out due to a hip contusion, Orlando must find that ball pressure elsewhere. That affects how the Magic guard Denver’s guards, fight through screens, and protect the paint. It also changes the fast-break math because Suggs turns stops into early offense.

Moritz Wagner out: frontcourt shuffle and second-unit flow

Moritz Wagner being out (left knee, injury recovery) adds a second ripple. He anchors pace for second units and offers a stretch element as a big who can pop. Without him, Orlando will have to piece together bench offense in shorter bursts, and rebounding assignments shift. The Magic may need more collective rebounding from wings and guards to cover the gap.

“If da Silva can’t go, who soaks up those wing minutes and spacing?”

Tristan da Silva: questionable tag and what it means

Da Silva is listed questionable with a right shoulder contusion. That status matters because he profiles as a connector piece on the wing. Even short minutes from him help keep lineups balanced. If he plays, Orlando gets another shooter and cutter to open driving lanes. If he sits, the Magic could be very thin on size at the forward spots, especially without Franz.

Two-way/G League notes: Cain, Castleton, Robinson out

The official report and team preview align: Colin Castleton (left thumb fracture), Jamal Cain, and Orlando Robinson are out as two-way/G League designations. These players are important depth, especially in a long season when matchups and foul trouble can snowball. Their absence tonight limits emergency lineup options and tweaks how Orlando handles garbage-time or situational defense.

In short, the Magic have to be careful with fouls, pace, and rotations. Fewer back-end options mean coach and staff will likely lean longer on trusted lineups, even if it tests legs in the second half.

Denver Nuggets injury outlook: absences noted on the league PDF

The NBA’s Dec. 18, 1:30 PM ET injury report also lists multiple Nuggets players. While the provided documents do not detail each Denver name here, the note is important: Denver’s depth chart is not pristine either. That could bring the benches into focus and make second quarters and early fourths more decisive than usual.

When both teams enter with attrition, game plans can simplify. Expect each side to chase easy points in transition and at the free-throw line. Expect coaches to hunt favorable matchups. And expect the team that wins the non-star minutes to control the pace.

“Denver’s depth has its own questions — this could turn into a bench game.”

Why the timing matters: the 1:30 PM ET report sets the board

The “final” afternoon update matters for players and fans. The 1:30 PM ET league report confirmed Suggs, Wagner, and the two-way statuses. It also carried the questionable tag for da Silva. That timing guides shootaround intensity, matchups, and even late scouting touches. For bettors and fantasy players, it’s the line in the sand before warm-ups.

How Orlando can compete without key starters

So what is the path? It starts with effort on defense and clean execution on offense. Without Wagner’s creation and Suggs’ on-ball defense, the Magic must:

• Win the hustle stats: loose balls, long rebounds, and 50/50 plays.
• Protect the paint without fouling, forcing tough mid-range looks.
• Keep turnovers low to avoid free points for Denver.
• Find rhythm threes through drive-and-kick and extra passes.

On offense, expect more touches for remaining ball-handlers and wings. The key is to avoid sticky possessions. Quick decisions and paint touches can cover for missing shot creation. On defense, switching smartly and staying connected as a unit can steal a few possessions, even without Suggs’ pressure.

Big picture: availability defines identity

This is the regular season in a nutshell: your best plan is only as strong as your health. Orlando is learning that again tonight. With Franz Wagner missing a third straight game and Suggs sidelined, the Magic will lean on system and trust. Denver’s own absences, as noted in the league report, mean this might be closer than names on paper suggest.

Fans want stars. Coaches want certainty. On nights like this, both sides have to settle for execution. The team that plays the cleaner game, especially in those bench-heavy stretches, will have the edge.

One thing is certain: the final injury report did not just set the stage — it wrote the opening act. Now it’s on the next five to make it play.