The Orlando Magic have been without their top player, Paolo Banchero, for nearly two weeks now as Banchero is nursing a low grade high ankle sprain. Banchero injured the ankle in an October 23 game against the Timberwolves.
Below, we will deliver a Banchero injury update and look at when he will return to the Magic lineup.
Paolo Banchero injury update: When will Magic F Return?
Banchero has had many ankle sprains in the past. He did tell the Orlando Sentinel that this particular sprain felt different.
“It was a play in the first quarter where Desmond (Bane) fell into me, kind of rolled up on my ankle and tweaked it to the inside. And then I kept playing,” Banchero said. “And then I came out of halftime and there was a play in the third where I jumped, felt it, got up, asked to come out, came back in, and then felt it again. And I was just like, ‘Yeah, I’m not going to push it any farther.’ But I feel pretty confident it’s nothing too major. I think I just tweaked it to the inside.
“Most of my ankle sprains have always been to the outside, so this is a little foreign to me,” Banchero continued. “So a little scary in that way. But doctors looked at it. Nothing’s structurally wrong. I can like move and walk fine.”
This is believed to be a low grade high ankle sprain. He is expected to be out around 4-6 weeks.
Expect Banchero’s return to come on the longer end of that timeline as we are still in the early portion of the NBA season, and the Magic will want to protect their star player. Because of the nature of the sport, too, with all of the cutting and quick movements - basketball players typically take their time with recovery from this sort of injury.
Here is a look at the Magic schedule around the time that we expect Banchero to return:
- Tuesday, November 24: Pistons at Magic
- Saturday, November 28: Magic at Wizards
- Sunday, November 29: Magic at Pistons
- Wednesday, December 2: Magic at Mavericks
- Saturday, December 12: Magic at 76ers
- Monday, December 14: 76ers at Magic
Paolo Banchero fantasy basketball stock
Banchero ranks No. 37 on Complex’s list of the best NBA players right now. He had an ADP of No. 36 overall in fantasy basketball drafts.
In just two games played this season, Banchero is averaging 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game.
Orlando Magic odds
The Magic began the season at Fanatics Sportsbook as having +4500 NBA title odds. Owning a 2-5 record to start the season, they are currently +6000 to win it all.
Orlando’s win total projection prior to the start of the season was 43.5. The Magic are currently -135 to win more than 40 games, but are +250 to win more than 45 games.
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