Magic Complete Comeback in Berlin, Set Sights on London Rematch
BERLIN, January 18, 2026 – The Orlando Magic, powered by Paolo Banchero’s double-double and Franz Wagner’s return from injury, rallied from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 118-111 on Thursday, January 15. The game, held at Uber Arena, marked the NBA’s first regular-season contest in Germany.
Wagner Brothers Reunite in Comeback Win
In a historic game for the league’s global reach, the Orlando Magic erased a 52-32 second-quarter deficit to secure their third win in four games. Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 26 points and 13 rebounds, while Franz Wagner added 18 points and nine boards in his first game back after missing over a month with a high ankle sprain. The victory held special significance for Wagner, who played alongside his brother, Moritz Wagner, for the first time in over a year. Moritz Wagner, who returned earlier in the week from a torn left ACL suffered in December 2024, contributed seven points in 14 minutes.
For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. scored a team-high 30 points, with Santi Aldama adding 18. Memphis played without star guard Ja Morant, who was sidelined with a right calf injury.
Key Game Facts & Team Standings
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Orlando Magic 118, Memphis Grizzlies 111 |
| Date & Location | January 15, 2026 | Uber Arena, Berlin, Germany |
| Magic Top Performer | Paolo Banchero: 26 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL |
| Grizzlies Top Performer | Jaren Jackson Jr.: 30 PTS |
| Magic Record | 23-18 (1st in Southeast Division) |
| Grizzlies Record | 17-23 (3rd in Southwest Division) |
| All-Time Series | Grizzlies lead 31-27 (Regular Season) |
Historic Context and Immediate Rematch
The game in Berlin continued the NBA’s long history in Germany, which began with a preseason game in 1984. The league noted that tickets for Thursday’s contest were sold to fans from 62 countries, with over 250,000 registration attempts. The teams now travel to London for a swift rematch, scheduled for Sunday, January 18 at The O2 Arena. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed optimism that Ja Morant could return from his calf injury for the London game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was Franz Wagner out?
Franz Wagner missed 16 consecutive games after suffering a sprained left ankle on December 7, 2025. His return on January 15 coincided with the NBA’s game in his native Germany.
Will Ja Morant play in London?
While officially sidelined for the Berlin game, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver indicated there is optimism that the Grizzlies’ two-time All-Star guard could return from his right calf injury for the rematch in London on January 18.
What is the all-time record between these teams?
The Memphis Grizzlies hold a slight historical edge in the regular-season series, with 31 wins to the Orlando Magic’s 27 victories across 58 total meetings.