The Orlando Magic have managed to hold their own recently, but they’ve done it without the elite services of star forward Paolo Banchero. The 23-year-old has missed seven consecutive games in the 2025-26 NBA campaign while dealing with a nagging groin issue.
However, optimism is growing in Orlando. Banchero recently broke his silence on the recovery process, offering a promising update that suggests his return to the hardwood could happen sooner rather than later.
How Close Is Paolo Banchero to Returning?
After starting the first 12 games of the season, Banchero has been sidelined since Nov. 12. He suffered the injury during a matchup against the New York Knicks, which forced him to exit after just 12 minutes of action.
Orlando has stood its ground without its franchise cornerstone, going 5-2 in the last seven games. While that mark is actually better than the team’s 6-6 record with Banchero in the lineup, nobody is confused about his importance. He remains the engine behind the team’s aspirations for a deep playoff run.
Banchero provided an update on his recovery to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. While he stopped short of giving a specific date for his return, his comments painted an optimistic picture based on his current progress.
“I think I’m in a good spot, just doing some movement stuff,” he said before Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. “The groin feels really good so the recovery’s been going well.” He added more context to the timeline. “I’m definitely, pretty close,” he said. “I don’t know when but definitely feeling close.”
MORE: Magic Superstar Paolo Banchero Breaks Silence on Injury Recovery and Return Timeline
Banchero has shone as one of the league’s brightest young stars while representing the Magic. He won Rookie of the Year in 2023 and successfully led the franchise to two consecutive playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025.
Before the injury, he was averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this season. He is shooting 46.1% from the field, including 25% from beyond the arc, and 76.6% from the free-throw line.
What’s Next for the Magic?
The Magic will prioritize a full recovery for Banchero before throwing him back into the fire. While they have persevered in his absence, life on the court becomes significantly easier for the offense when they can bring him back into the fold.
Orlando currently holds an 11-8 record, sitting in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are one game ahead of the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers, while maintaining a tie with the Atlanta Hawks for sixth place.
The Magic will now prepare for their final NBA Cup group stage matchup on the road. They face the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Following that contest, they return home to host the Bulls on Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET.