Star forward Paolo Banchero is expected to suit up for the Magic this week for the first time since October, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
According to Charania, the expectation is that Banchero will be upgraded to questionable on Orlando’s next injury report and will be available for either Thursday’s home game vs. Minnesota or Friday’s vs. Milwaukee.
Banchero got off to an impressive start to the season in the fall, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 36.4 minutes per night in the first five games of the season. However, he sustained a torn right oblique on October 30 and was ruled out indefinitely. The former No. 1 overall pick has now missed 33 consecutive games.
After earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2023 and making his first All-Star team in 2024, Banchero won’t be eligible for major awards in 2025 due to the NBA’s 65-game rule. But his return will be a boon for a Magic team that has played very well in his absence, even after forward Franz Wagner went down with a nearly identical injury in early December.
Orlando currently has a 22-16 record and holds the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference standings.
If Banchero is activated for Thursday’s game, it would be bad luck for the Timberwolves, who have already faced Zion Williamson on Tuesday in his first game since early November and Kawhi Leonard on Monday in just his second game of the season. However, Charania tweets that Banchero is more likely to make his return on Friday vs. the Bucks.
banchero is an animal
Nice. I actually think the magic are coming harder for a chip than, say, Cleveland. Magic’s roster construction is build for playoff basketball. Long at every position, extremely versatile. Obviously need experience of going deep a few times before becoming legit. Versatile at both ends and Paolo is a legit superstar in waiting.
I’ve seen enough. Paolo to Golden State for Anderson and Davey’s special sock. Lock of the century.
Don’t forget Luka, Giannis, Jokic and Bron….2025/26 warriors are looking tough.