Paolo Banchero played 26 minutes across the first three quarters before Orlando shut him down for the fourth Friday night, and the Magic now expect the All-Star forward to miss an extended stretch with a low-grade high right ankle sprain.
Imaging confirmed the injury Saturday, one day after Banchero was hurt during Orlando’s 115-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The defeat dropped the Magic to 0-2.
Banchero first felt trouble in the opening quarter but remained in the rotation through three periods, handling close to his usual workload before the lopsided score kept him on the bench late. Orlando has not announced a return date.
From the locker room
High ankle sprains can linger well beyond a normal ankle turn. Even a low-grade version often requires several weeks of recovery and can stretch into months, depending on how the player progresses.
A four-week absence would put roughly 13 Orlando games on Banchero’s ledger. That would force the Magic to redistribute both frontcourt minutes and much of their offensive creation early in the season.
The 2022 first overall pick had opened the year as Orlando’s pace-setter, averaging 24.5 points and 7.5 assists, both team bests, while adding 6.5 rebounds per game. He had made 70% of his shots over the first two contests.
Banchero, a 2024 All-Star, owns career averages of 22.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists with Orlando.
The Magic have recent evidence they can stay afloat without their lead forward. They posted a 7-3 record over 10 games Banchero missed last season, though replacing his scoring, rebounding and playmaking load is a different assignment this early in the schedule.
