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Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero will miss multiple weeks after suffering a low-grade high right ankle sprain, the team announced Saturday.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the injury typically carries a recovery timeline of four to six weeks, although the Magic have not provided an official timetable for Banchero’s return.
Banchero sustained the injury during Friday’s 115-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He told The Orlando Sentinel that he first noticed discomfort in the opening quarter but continued playing through the first three quarters before sitting out the fourth.
The 23-year-old finished with 14 points and six rebounds as Orlando fell to 0-2 to begin the season.
Banchero Was Off to a Strong Start
Banchero had made an impressive start to the season before the injury. He averaged team highs of 24.5 points and 7.5 assists through Orlando’s first two games, adding 6.5 rebounds while shooting 70% from the field.
The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and 2024 All-Star has averaged 22.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists across his NBA career.
His absence leaves Orlando without one of its leading scorers and primary playmakers as the team looks to recover from its opening losses.
Magic Must Adjust Without Their Star Forward
Orlando has dealt with injuries to key players in recent seasons but still reached the playoffs in each of the past two years. The team went 7-3 in 10 games without Banchero last season.
The Magic also performed well when Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. shared the court. Orlando went 40-26 across the past three regular seasons when all four players were available.
However, Banchero has missed 46 games over the past two seasons, while Wagner missed 70 and Suggs sat out 72. Keeping the core group healthy remains an important factor in Orlando’s ability to build momentum.
The Magic will now need other players to help fill the scoring and playmaking void while Banchero recovers. His return will depend on how the ankle responds to treatment and rehabilitation.
