Paolo Banchero injury update: NBA insider reveals grim diagnosis for Magic forward

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has been diagnosed with a torn right oblique and is sidelined indefinitely, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Banchero was off to a hot start this season, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.

The injury is presumed to have occurred in the Magic’s 102-99 loss against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. In the loss, Banchero tallied 31 points, seven rebounds and four assists while shooting 54.5% from the field. Banchero will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks and return to play will be based on how he responds to treatment.

Banchero’s performance on Wednesday was only his latest standout showing. The former Duke standout exploded for 50 points — 37 of which came in the first half — in the Magic’s 119-115 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday. Banchero not only scored in the win but also notched 13 rebounds, nine assists and two blocks.

Paolo Banchero’s strong start to the 2024-25 season was no surprise to Magic fans. Last season, Banchero took a massive leap forward, averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 45.5% from the field.

For his efforts, he was named an NBA All-Star. Banchero’s individual accolades weren’t hollow, either. Propelled forward by Banchero’s fantastic play, the Magic appeared in the NBA Playoffs last season for the first time since the 2019-20 season.

The Magic are 3-2 and expected by most NBA insiders to take a significant step forward this season, potentially competing for an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, Banchero’s injury will surely set back the team’s expectations.

In Banchero’s absence, fellow Magic standouts such as Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs will have to shoulder a greater load. Banchero will undoubtedly be missed while he recovers.

“He’s one of the best basketball players I’ve been around,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said of Banchero after Monday’s game. “The way he conducts himself, the way he pushes himself to be great, the way in which he makes other people around him great.

“A lot of those open shots are because he’s drawing two or three defenders and he’s making the right play. That’s what great players do. They make those around them great and he makes our coaches look good too.”