Paolo Banchero Set for Highly-Anticipated NBA Return as Orlando Magic Face Timberwolves and Bucks

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero is gearing up for his much-awaited return to the NBA this week. The Magic will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night, and if not in that game, Banchero could be seen in action against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Banchero is expected to return during one of these back-to-back home games. The 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year, who has been sidelined since October 30 due to injury, was averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in the five games he played this season. His return will be a huge boost to the Magic, who have been missing his presence on the court.

The 22-year-old expressed his excitement on social media, sharing, “A look at how my season’s been going, The wait is almost over.” His comeback is sure to have a major impact on the team’s performance and dynamics moving forward.

Banchero had been recovering from a torn right oblique that kept him out for 33 games. During his absence, Franz Wagner stepped up, filling the void left by Banchero. Wagner even became the youngest forward to record a 35-point, 10-assist game, and his efforts helped the Magic hand the Lakers their first home defeat of the season. However, Wagner himself has since been sidelined with the same injury and is currently in the recovery process.

With both Banchero and Wagner unavailable, the Magic have gone 6-7, though they’ve managed to pull off stunning comebacks, including a fourth-quarter surge against the Miami Heat.

Teammate Goga Bitadze shared his excitement about Banchero’s return, saying, “He makes us so much more dangerous. He’s naturally, physically gifted. When you add all the other basketball stuff, he’s unguardable.”

The Magic are currently sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 22-16 record and have been strong at home with a 13-5 record. After their recent win over the New York Knicks, Orlando will begin a three-game homestand. Fans are eagerly awaiting Banchero’s return, which is expected to bolster the team as they continue their playoff push.