Orlando Magic Face New Challenges After Paolo Banchero Injury

 Orlando, FL – Despite a devastating injury to their all-star forward, the Orlando Magic’s hopes for a successful season have not vanished.

Banchero Sidelined Indefinitely with Torn Oblique

The Magic announced on Thursday that forward Paolo Banchero suffered a torn right oblique and has been sidelined indefinitely. The team said in a press release that Banchero will be re-evaluated in four-to-six weeks and his return will depend on his response to treatment.

Details of Banchero’s Injury During Game Against Bulls

Banchero tore his oblique during the fourth quarter of the Magic’s loss against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Banchero remained in the game, but was placed on the injured list as “questionable” for Orlando’s game against Cleveland on Friday  on Thursday with a right oblique strain. The Magic announced that his injury was a tear that night.

Banchero’s Own Reaction to the Injury

“I felt it when it happened,” Banchero said of his injury. “Didn’t know what it was, but [I] knew it didn’t feel good.”

Banchero Calls on Team to Stay Strong and Unite in His Absence

Banchero broke the news to his teammates shortly before ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on it Thursday night. He said his injury is an opportunity for his team to “come together as a group” and “grow even closer.”

Banchero’s Pre-Injury Performance: A Strong Start to the Season

Prior to his injury, Banchero had been averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 36.4 minutes in the five games he’s played this season. He scored 81 points in the two games he played in this week, including a career-high 50 points against the Indiana Pacers. He’s confident that his team can keep winning, even without his production.

Banchero’s Confidence in Teammates’ Ability to Perform

“Obviously, it’s not ideal that I’m out, but we got a lot of guys that can step up and make plays,” Banchero said. “I think they’re ready to do that.”

Head Coach Jamahl Mosley Sees Opportunity in Banchero’s Absence

Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley shared Banchero’s sentiment, saying that even though Banchero’s injury “sucks,” it offers his teammates a chance to shine in a much bigger role.

“It’s an opportunity for guys to step up, step into their role,” Mosley said, “[An] opportunity for guys to continue to play to our standard of basketball.”

Coach Mosley’s Plans to Adapt Lineups and Rotations Without Banchero

Mosley said that the team will incorporate several different lineups and rotations to see which combinations work. He said that Banchero’s absence hasn’t changed the Magic’s identity, as the team will continue to play relentless defense, share the ball, and keep attacking the rim without their star.

Upcoming Game: Magic’s First Test Without Banchero

Their first test without Banchero will be Friday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7 p.m. at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mosley said that Franz Wagner (illness) is “feeling better” and will play tonight, and Goga Bitadze (left foot tendon strain) will be a game-time decision.

Team’s Determination to Succeed During Banchero’s Recovery

The Magic have a tough adjustment ahead of them over these next few games. But they know that if they elevate their games in Banchero’s absence, they can achieve incredible success once their star returns.

“If we all lock in and figure it out as [Banchero] gets healthy and comes back,” guard Anthony Black said, “That’s when we become dangerous.”