Paolo Banchero Expected to Return
Orlando, FL— Magic superstar Paolo Banchero (torn right oblique) is set to return from injury in one of Orlando’s back-to-back home games against the Minnesota Timberwolves or Milwaukee Bucks, per Shams of ESPN.
Magic star Paolo Banchero is expected to return to action in one of Orlando’s back-to-back home games Thursday versus Minnesota or Friday versus Milwaukee, sources tell ESPN. Banchero has been out since Oct. 30 due to a torn oblique after a monster start to the season. pic.twitter.com/f1qVhtJo4G
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 8, 2025
Blazing Start for Banchero
Banchero, who had not played since Oct.30 in Chicago after suffering a torn oblique, had a phenomenal start to the 2024-25 season. Banchero, in five games this season, was averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game and also notched a near 50-point triple-double against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 28.
Banchero, finished the night recording a career-high 50 points while chipping in 13 rebounds and nine assists on his way to victory. He became the second-youngest player in NBA history to record at least 50 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a game, only behind LeBron James.
The Magic are Getting Healthy
Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel first reported this morning that Banchero was a full participant in practice. Later, it was reported that he would be upgraded to questionable on the injury report moving forward.
#Magic forward Paolo Banchero (return to competition reconditioning) went through a full practice Wednesday, Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said. https://t.co/ehmxqebVpQ
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) January 8, 2025
Orlando currently holds a record of 22-16 and is in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Despite missing other key players in Franz Wagner (torn right oblique), Moritz Wagner (torn ACL), and Jalen Suggs (lower back) the past few games, the Magic have found a way to continue to stay afloat and be competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Banchero is set to return either this Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves or on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
[…] reported by NBA Insider Chris Haynes on Thursday afternoon that Paolo Banchero will be returning from injury tomorrow evening against the Milwaukee Bucks, on the second night of Orlando’s back-to-back […]