Magic Star Paolo Banchero Expected To Return Later This Week

January 8, 2025

The Orlando Magic are set to get a major boost this week, as star big man Paolo Banchero is expected to return to action for the first time since October.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the plan is for Banchero to be upgraded to questionable on the Magic’s next injury report, with the expectation that he could be available for either Thursday’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves or Friday’s matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Banchero’s return is highly anticipated after he was off to a scorching start to the season, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in his first five games before suffering a torn right oblique on October 30.

Since then, the former No. 1 overall pick has missed 33 consecutive games. Despite the absence of their star, Orlando has continued to thrive, holding a strong 22-16 record and securing the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Magic have been particularly resilient in Banchero’s absence, with Franz Wagner also sidelined due to a similar injury. Their solid play without the two main forwards is a testament to their depth, but the return of Banchero will be a huge lift, providing them with the scoring, playmaking, and leadership that helped fuel their early-season success.

While Thursday’s game against Minnesota would mark a dramatic return — considering the Timberwolves have already faced both Zion Williamson and Kawhi Leonard recently — sources indicate Banchero is more likely to be activated for Friday’s contest against the Bucks. Either way, the Magic’s playoff hopes just got a significant boost with Banchero nearing a return to the court.