The Orlando Magic expect to have their All-Star forward Paolo Banchero back on the court this week. Banchero was sidelined for more than two months with a torn oblique.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the plan is for Banchero to return to action in one of Magic’s upcoming back-to-back games after being a full participant during practice on Wednesday. Orlando plays the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday before facing the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.
Banchero was off to an impressive start in 2024-25, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in the first five games of the season. This included a 31-point performance in a 99-102 loss to the Chicago Bulls, in which he tore his oblique but ended up finishing the game. The initial prognosis for his return was six weeks, but apparently, the Magic opted to take a conservative route with their franchise cornerstone.
Having Banchero back will provide a massive boost to Orlando Magic’s hopes of remaining one of the top four teams in the East.
Despite being without Banchero and standout forward Franz Wagner, who has been sidelined since early December, the Magic kept their head above water. They are No. 4 in the Eastern Conference with a 22-16 record and 2.5 games behind the third-placed New York Knicks.
