Paolo Banchero Ruled Out for Magic's Clash Against Timberwolves

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero will not play in Thursday's game against the Timberwolves after being listed as questionable earlier in the day. This raised hopes for his potential return to the lineup for the first time since October 30.

According to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, Banchero fully participated in the team's practice on Wednesday. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Banchero is likely to return soon, possibly in one of the Magic's upcoming back-to-back games.

The Magic will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday (7 ET, NBA TV) and the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday (7 ET, NBA League Pass). They also play the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday at home (6 ET, NBA League Pass). After this stretch, Orlando will play nine of its next 12 games on the road, including a six-game road trip from January 27 to February 6.

As I reported earlier, the #Magic will factor in the upcoming back-to-back in determining when Paolo Banchero will return, per league source.

“We’re excited for him to come back and see how we can continue to keep this thing rolling,” KCP said.

More: https://t.co/Ay8OMNVOv5 https://t.co/I0p55dH5MD

— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) January 8, 2025

Banchero has been out since October 30 after suffering a strained oblique muscle during the fourth quarter of Orlando’s victory in Chicago. In late December, he entered the "return to competition reconditioning" phase of his rehab and confirmed that the muscle had healed.

“I’ve been doing a lot of rehab and ramping up, trying to get my body back into playing shape,” Banchero said in late December. “Obviously, I had to sit out for over 30 days without doing much, so I just had to get my body back into that mode, and I’m still in the process of that.”

Despite Banchero's 33-game absence, Orlando has performed well, posting a 19-14 record and staying in contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They also lead the Southeast Division by 2 1/2 games heading into Thursday's game. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley discussed on Wednesday how Banchero's presence positively impacts the team when he is healthy.

“The energy he brings to this group; the confidence he gives this group in so many ways as well. Just him just being on the floor, the spacing changes in so many ways. His basketball feel and his read for situations, it’s just good to have him on the floor,” the coach said.

“The more we can start piecing guys back together with this group is what we’re looking forward to.”

Banchero's injury occurred just as he was off to a monster start in the 2024-25 season. His 29 points per game ranked seventh in the league when he got hurt, and he was also averaging 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists.

Following his injury, the Magic lost four consecutive games but then went on a strong run with Franz Wagner stepping up—only for Wagner to suffer the same injury as Banchero in December, halting what was shaping up to be an All-Star-worthy start to his season. Additionally, Wagner’s brother, Mo, underwent season-ending knee surgery on December 22.

Magic guard Jalen Suggs (low back strain) sustained his injury on Friday against Toronto, while veteran guard Gary Harris (left hamstring) has missed the last three games. Suggs participated in Wednesday's practice on a limited basis, while Harris did not practice, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope expressed how encouraging it was to have Banchero back at practice, calling it a positive sign.

“It’s a big relief just to have him healthy,” Caldwell-Pope said after practice. “It’s great. He’s ready to go, and we feel like he’s ready to go. We’re excited for him to come back and see how we can continue to keep this thing rolling.”