Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images
After an outstanding start to his third NBA campaign, Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero will have to miss some time.
The Magic announced Thursday that Banchero will be sidelined indefinitely because of a torn right oblique. He will be reevaluated in four to six weeks and will return to the court based on how he progresses in his treatment.
In his first game of the season, Banchero dropped 33 points and 11 boards in a win over the Miami Heat. A week later, he had 50 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists against the Indiana Pacers, becoming the second-youngest player to have at least 50 points, 10 rebounds and five assists—behind only LeBron James.
Banchero suffered the injury Wednesday when he had 31 points and seven rebounds in a loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Last season, Banchero put up 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game, leading the Magic to a 47-35 record. It was Orlando’s best season since 2011 when it won 52 games with Dwight Howard leading the way.
The Magic reached the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and just the third time in the last 12 years last season. Orlando came up just short of advancing to the second round as it lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.
This season, the Magic are 3-2 and have a matchup against the Cavs on Friday. With its star out, Orlando will need players like Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and others to step up.
Banchero, who is averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists through five games, seems prepared to take another big leap during the 2024-25 season, but unfortunately will have to put his year on hold as he rehabs.
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