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[Saba Sports News] Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero, sidelined for over two months with an oblique injury, is set to make his much-anticipated return this week.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Banchero is expected to suit up for either the Magic’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night or the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
Before being shut down on October 30 with a torn oblique, Banchero was off to a stellar start to the season. He dropped 31 points in his last game, a loss to the Chicago Bulls, and scored a career-high 50 points in a win over the Indiana Pacers just two days prior.
Despite playing only five games this season, Banchero has been dominant, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. The 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year also earned an All-Star nod as a sophomore last season, cementing his status as one of the league’s rising stars.
The Magic, currently 22-16 and sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, have managed to stay competitive despite missing both Banchero and Franz Wagner, who remains out with an oblique injury of his own. Banchero’s return is expected to provide a significant boost to the team as they continue their strong season.