Report: Magic's Banchero expected back this week
The Orlando Magic expect star forward Paolo Banchero to return from a torn oblique this week, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Banchero will return to the lineup for either Thursday's contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves or Friday's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks, Charania adds.
Banchero hasn't played since Oct. 30, missing the Magic's last 33 games after suffering an oblique injury in the fourth quarter of a defeat to the Chicago Bulls.
The 22-year-old has appeared in only five games this season following a breakout 2023-24 campaign that resulted in a maiden All-Star selection.
Banchero's long-term absence was one of many key injuries for a Magic side that's also currently without Franz Wagner, who tore his oblique as well. Franz's brother, Moritz, will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL in mid-December.
Banchero was averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in five games this season, including a 50-point display against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 28.
Despite the injuries to Banchero and Wagner, the Magic boast a 22-16 record ahead of Thursday's visit from the T-Wolves. They're currently fourth in the Eastern Conference.