Is Paolo Banchero’s 2025-26 season over? Orlando Magic rising star hits unexpected hurdle disrupting team’s early-season momentum | NBA News
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero will miss Friday’s home game against the Brooklyn Nets due to a left groin injury. It was confirmed via MRI on Thursday. Banchero will be listed as day-to-day going forward. The Magic will visit the Houston Rockets on Sunday. The injury occurred during the first half of Wednesday’s game against the New York Knicks.His return will depend on his response to treatment. He will miss Friday night’s game against Brooklyn and will continue to be evaluated. No contact could be seen. He just left and didn’t come back. The Magic were forced to rely more quickly than anticipated on depth as a result.
Paolo Banchero faces an unexpected twist that quietly reshapes the Magic’s promising rhythm
The Orlando Magic stated that a return-to-play schedule will be established once Banchero’s response to treatment is assessed. Following Wednesday’s victory over the Knicks, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley stated:“There was a moment he was going up and down the court, I think it was a quick turn and then I just saw him pause for a second.. I looked at him just to try to see where he was with it and then I got him out of there before anything changed.”In one of their biggest away victories of the season, the Orlando Magic defeated the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. However, the customary celebration did not mark the conclusion of the evening. Paolo Banchero, who left the game early due to a strained groin, became the center of attention.As he usually does, Banchero opened the evening with four points for his team. On Wednesday night, however, the 2023 Rookie of the Year exited in the middle of the second quarter with a left groin strain. Prior to leaving the game in the second quarter, Banchero just played 12 minutes on his 23rd birthday and scored four points in Wednesday’s 124-107 victory over the New York Knicks.He was ruled out for the remainder of the game at halftime. In 12 games this season, Banchero has averaged 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists. In 210 games (all starts) since Orlando selected him with the first overall pick in 2022, he has averaged 22.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists.Franz Wagner ultimately took on a significant portion after Banchero’s injury. He scored 28 points and pulled down nine rebounds while still using the protective mask from his nasal fracture in Portland.Also read: Why is Joel Embiid sidelined tonight against the Orlando Magic? Latest injury update on the Philadelphia 76ers superstar
