The Orlando Magic are easily one of the most surprising teams in the NBA this season. Despite devastating injuries to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic are 22-16 and own the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite sitting as one of the worst offensive teams in the league (and ranking dead-last with 105.2 points per game), the Magic are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. They allow just 103.2 points per game and have a defensive rating of 106.9. Both of these numbers are second-best in the league behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. There is a lot to like about this Magic team and how they match up to the rest of the NBA. And fortunately for Orlando, they should get much better very soon,
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Banchero is set to make his return this week. Charania says Banchero will either play on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves or on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Seattle native only played in five games before his oblique injury. However, he was in the midst of a career year. When he makes his return, the Magic should elevate to another level.
Magic star Paolo Banchero is expected to return to action in one of Orlando’s back-to-back home games Thursday versus Minnesota or Friday versus Milwaukee, sources tell ESPN. Banchero has been out since Oct. 30 due to a torn oblique after a monster start to the season. pic.twitter.com/f1qVhtJo4G
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 8, 2025
Orlando Magic Star to Return From Injury This Week
Paolo Banchero’s Season Before His Injury
In the five games he played, Banchero looked primed for another All-Star appearance at the very least. During that time, he averaged 29 points on 49.5% shooting, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. Banchero was also the first player to score 50 points in a game this season, which he did against the Indiana Pacers.
Just two seasons removed from a Rookie of the Year selection, Banchero has only gotten better each season. This was especially true after earning his first All-Star selection last season. Because of how many games he has already missed, Banchero will not earn any of these types of honors this season (though an All-Star appearance is technically still a possibility). Regardless, there is no denying that Banchero is a star in the league. Not to mention he is still just 22 years old. If he can continue to progress and help Orlando win games, he will get his well-deserved recognition in no time, if he does not already have it.
The Last Word
Even without their stars, Orlando is playing good basketball. However, they will still feel relieved to get Banchero back on the court. As it stands, the Magic sit comfortably in the playoff picture. Also given that they were just one win away from advancing to the second round of the playoffs last year, the Magic are quickly becoming a team to monitor in the title picture. They are not likely to win a championship this season. However, there is no doubt that they are progressing much faster than many expected them to.
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