When Paolo Banchero first tore his proper indirect seven weeks in the past, the staff stated his harm could be re-evaluated in 4 to 6 weeks. He nonetheless hasn’t been cleared for contact.
Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley told Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel Thursday that Banchero’s “spirits have been nice,” however whereas praising his All-Star for “doing an incredible job” staying linked to the staff, he admitted that his restoration has been gradual.
Banchero could also be collaborating in on-court actions and movie classes, but when he isn’t working at full velocity or taking contact but, it is unlikely he’ll be taking the court docket for Orlando quickly. It additionally signifies that the prognosis for the Magic’s different younger scorer may be discouraging.
Franz Wagner suffered the identical harm Dec. 7, after having carried the Magic’s offense with 24.4 factors per recreation — 26 per recreation since Banchero went out. Primarily based on the timetable of Banchero’s restoration, the Magic won’t see their fourth-year star for 2 months, maybe not till the after the NBA’s All-Star break in February.
Can the Magic survive till then? They’re 1-2 since Wagner went out. They’re one recreation right into a brutal six-game homestand the place they need to face the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Boston Celtics and the Miami Warmth twice, virtually actually with out Banchero on the ground.
At 17-11, Orlando has a cushion earlier than having to combat for his or her playoff lives. However a season that appeared destined to get them home-court benefit within the first spherical is now wanting like it can result in the play-in match.
