Paolo Banchero Returns to Magic Lineup After 34-Game Absence

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero made his long-awaited return to the court Friday night after missing 34 games due to a torn oblique muscle. The 22-year-old star, who sustained the injury in the fifth game of the season, rejoined the lineup as the Magic faced the Milwaukee Bucks.

Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, had been sidelined since Oct. 30, leaving a significant void in Orlando’s lineup. Despite his absence, the Magic managed to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference, entering Friday’s game with a 22-17 record and holding the No. 4 spot in the standings.

“I don’t think I’ve been in bad spirits at all,” Banchero told The Associated Press. “But it is frustrating. I’ve never missed this much time since I started playing basketball. Going so long without playing, I was so ready for the season, and then going down so early into it just makes you ask ‘why?’ sometimes.”

During his absence, the Magic relied on a collective effort to stay afloat. Key players like Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs also dealt with injuries, but the team rallied behind a next-man-up mentality. Orlando went 19-11 in the 30 games following Banchero’s injury, showcasing their depth and resilience.

Banchero’s return comes at a critical juncture for the Magic, who are aiming to secure a playoff berth. Before his injury, the young forward was off to a stellar start, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His standout performance included a career-high 50-point game against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 28.

“It’s amazing, really,” Banchero said during a shootaround earlier this week. “Thinking back to when I first went down, it was just those four games, and then after that, they were rolling. Franz was carrying [the team], and then he went down. I think that was the true test, just for our team, our two main guys being out. And guys stepped up even more.”

Banchero’s presence on the court provides a significant boost to the Magic’s offense. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate makes him a cornerstone of the team’s success. Head coach Jamahl Mosley expressed optimism about Banchero’s return, emphasizing the forward’s leadership and impact on the team’s morale.

As the Magic continue their push for the playoffs, Banchero’s return could be the catalyst they need to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference. With the regular season nearing its midpoint, Orlando is poised to make a strong push with their star player back in action.