Paolo Banchero, the Orlando Magic’s rising star, is poised to make his return to the court after being sidelined since October 30 due to a torn oblique. Before his injury, Banchero was delivering an impressive performance, averaging 29 points per game, ranking him seventh in the NBA. His return could happen during one of Orlando’s upcoming home games against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday or the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. The Magic have officially listed him as questionable on the league’s injury report following his full participation in Wednesday’s practice.
Before his unfortunate injury, Banchero was proving to be a formidable force on the court. In addition to his scoring prowess, he was averaging 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. Notably, he achieved a career milestone on October 28 when he scored a career-high 50 points in a win over the Indiana Pacers. This feat made him the second-youngest player in NBA history to record at least 50 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single game, joining the ranks of LeBron James, who accomplished this in 2005.
As the Magic await Banchero's return, they find themselves in a strong position within the Eastern Conference standings, currently holding fourth place. The team has managed to perform well despite the absence of Banchero and Franz Wagner, who has also been out with a torn oblique since December 6. The Magic's resilience and depth have allowed them to maintain their competitive edge, even without two of their key players.
Banchero's expected return brings anticipation and excitement not only for the team but also for fans eager to see him back in action. His dynamic play and ability to make significant contributions on both ends of the court will undoubtedly boost the Magic as they look to solidify their standing in the conference.
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