The Orlando Magic will go as far as Paolo Banchero takes them this season. After making the playoffs over the last two seasons, the Magic have made it pretty clear that they believe in what Banchero can do for them.
Unfortunately, the Magic have been badly bitten by the injury bug when Banchero suffered a groin injury. They have actually done decently well during his absence, but it goes without saying that they eagerly await Banchero’s return.
The Latest Update on Paolo Banchero’s Return Offers Hope to the Magic
During a conversation with The Orlando-Sentinel’s Jason Beede, Banchero revealed where things stand with his recovery.
“I think I’m in a good spot, just doing some movement stuff,” Banchero told Beede before the Magic took on the Boston Celtics yesterday. “The groin feels really good so the recovery’s been going well.”
According to Beede, “Banchero wasn’t able to pinpoint exactly when he’ll be back. The Magic travel to Philadelphia (9-7) on Tuesday and Detroit three days later for a pair of crucial NBA Cup group stage contests.”
However, Banchero had this to say about his potential return.
“I’m definitely, pretty close,” he said. “I don’t know when but definitely feeling close.”
New: #Magic forward Paolo Banchero wasn’t able to pinpoint exactly when he’ll return, but he believes he’s not far off.
“I’m definitely, pretty close,” he told the @orlandosentinel. “I don’t know when but definitely feeling close.”
More from Boston: https://t.co/mBoXtcRvRL
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) November 24, 2025
The Magic have been surprisingly fine without Banchero, as they have won four of their last six games, with one of their losses coming against the Celtics yesterday. Even more impressive was that the team nearly came back from being down by over 20 points in the fourth quarter, despite Banchero’s absence.
When the Magic acquired Desmond Bane during the offseason, they were basically telling Banchero that they expect a winner, and furthermore, for him to guide them as a winning team. At 10-8, Orlando hasn’t exactly been as good as many would have expected.
Banchero’s numbers in Year 4 with the Magic are good for someone of his caliber, but they are not spectacular. He’s averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 46.1% from the field and 25% from three.
The Magic will want more from him, as he put up better numbers last year, averaging nearly 26 points and 4.8 assists while shooting 32% from three. Hopefully, if he can overcome this groin injury once and for all, he can get back on track, which could lead to the Magic doing the same.
The Magic have some good news, however. Jalen Suggs (knee injury management), Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle), and Goga Bitadze (ankle) are back against the 76ers after missing the team’s most recent game against the Boston Celtics.
Meanwhile, in Banchero’s absence, the Magic will have to start with Tristan da Silva. Since da Silva entered the starting lineup, the Magic are 4-2.
