The Orlando Magic will once again be without one of their most impactful players for Friday's pivotal Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons, as forward Franz Wagner has been ruled out with a right calf strain.

Wagner, who missed Wednesday's Game 5 after exiting Game 4 late in the third quarter with 19 points, was officially listed as out on Thursday's availability report. His absence proved costly for Orlando, as the Pistons kept their season alive with a 116-109 victory at Little Caesars Arena, forcing a return trip to Florida for a do-or-die matchup.

"I hate to miss any game, especially in this situation," Wagner told reporters before Game 5. "There are things that are really important. You've got to be careful with this kind of injury."

The Michigan product has been a defensive anchor for Orlando throughout the series, primarily tasked with slowing down Pistons star Cade Cunningham. Through the first four games, Cunningham shot just 7-for-22 when Wagner was his primary defender—a stat that underscores just how critical Wagner's presence is on that end of the floor.

Without Wagner in Game 5, Cunningham exploded for a Pistons playoff-record 45 points, torching replacement Jamal Cain—a Pontiac native and Oakland University alum—who finished with five points and four rebounds while struggling at the free-throw line (3-for-7).

For Pistons fans, Wagner's continued absence is a massive boost. It not only removes Orlando's top perimeter defender but also opens up offensive opportunities for Detroit's key playmakers. With the series shifting back to Orlando for Game 6, the Pistons will look to capitalize on a reeling Magic squad missing its two-way engine. Expect Detroit to keep feeding Cunningham early and often, testing a defense that suddenly looks far more vulnerable without Wagner on the floor.