Paolo Banchero’s dream start to the 2024-25 campaign was brought to a swift and sudden halt five games in.
The Magic supernova enjoyed a sterling first five games, highlighted by a 50-point outburst in a 119-115 win over the Pacers on Oct. 28.
But on Oct. 31, Orlando announced that Banchero would be sidelined indefinitely with an injury to his right oblique. Here’s what you need to know about Banchero’s latest injury woe and when to expect him back in the lineup.
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What is Paolo Banchero’s injury?
Banchero was diagnosed with a torn right oblique, the team announced on Thursday, Oct. 31.
He suffered the injury during the fourth quarter of the Magic’s 102-99 loss to the Bulls the previous evening.
Banchero averaged 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists on 49.5 percent shooting to start the year. The 21-year-old became the second-youngest player in NBA history to drop at least 50 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a single game, only bested by LeBron James (20 years, 80 days).
Banchero’s absence weakens a Magic side that currently sits fourth in the East, two games back of the first-place Cavaliers. Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. will likely be called upon to carry the scoring load for the time being.
How long is Paolo Banchero out?
The Magic announced that Banchero is out indefinitely. He’ll be evaluated in four-to-six weeks, meaning his return is to be expected and around Christmas at the latest, barring a setback. His return to the floor will be dictated by how his injury responds to treatment.
Banchero provided a positive update on Nov. 18, saying “This isn’t from the medical team or anything but the way I feel and I’ve been feeling, I think I can get back before Christmas now.”
“If it’s around that time and Arnie [Kander, Magic VP of Player Performance and Wellness] says ‘man no way, you can’t go’ then I’ll listen but if he gives me the green light, then I’mma do it.”
“The way I feel and I’ve been feeling, I think I can get back before Christmas.”@Pp_doesit on when he hopes to be back 👀 pic.twitter.com/DsRpTwgY5L
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 18, 2024
Orlando posted an 11-5 record in November, qualifying for the NBA Cup Quarterfinals in the process. The Magic are still without their young star as the month of December gets underway.
Magic schedule 2024-25
Here is what lies ahead for the Magic:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Dec. 10 | at Bucks (NBA Cup Quarterfinals) | 7 p.m. | TNT |
| Dec. 14/15 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Dec. 19 | vs. Thunder | 7 p.m. | TNT |
| Dec. 21 | vs. Heat | 7 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 23 | vs. Celtics | 7 p.m. | — |
This story will be updated.