Orlando Magic Forward Paolo Banchero will miss the team’s game on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets due to a left groin strain. He sustained the injury in the second quarter of Wednesday’s upset victory over the New York Knicks. The loss was the Knicks’ first at home all season and broke their five-game winning streak.
Paolo Banchero: A Big Loss For Orlando
Going into Wednesday’s game, Banchero was the Magic’s leading scorer and rebounder. For the season, the 2022 top pick has averaged 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. The 2022 Rookie of the Year and a 2023 All-Star is expected to be re-evaluated daily moving forward. Groin injuries can be tricky and easily re-aggravated, so Orlando will have to handle Banchero’s injury carefully.
Who Will Replace Paolo Banchero In the Lineup?
With Banchero out, the Magic will have to lean more on Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane on offense. Tristan da Silva will most likely get the start against the Nets on Friday, but expect Jonathan Isaac to get more minutes as well. Orlando is already without big man Mo Wagner, Franz’s brother, who is still recovering from an ACL injury.
What Lies Ahead For Paolo Banchero and The Magic?
With their win over the Knicks on Wednesday, the Magic have won three out of their last four games. They currently sit at 6-6, one game behind the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks, who are tied for first place in the Eastern Conference’s Southeast Division at 7-5. After the Nets (1-10) on Friday, Orlando will face a pair of tough matchups against the Houston Rockets (7-3) on Sunday and the Golden State Warriors (7-6) on Tuesday.
The Magic dodged a bullet when the injury was just a strain and not a tear. Tears usually mean a loss of at least two to three weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
