Ahead of Friday night’s game against the Heat, the All-Star forward detailed his recovery process and expressed excitement about finally getting back on the court. Banchero spoke with Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel during shootaround, confirming he would be available as the Magic (13–9) close out their three-game homestand against Miami.

“I’m really excited. I’ve been feeling really good this week,” Banchero said. “It’s only been 10 games but it feels like it’s been 50. I’m just happy to be back out there, get to run up and down, and compete. And be out there for the rest of the year.”

He noted that unlike last season’s extended absence, this recovery featured controlled progression and less missed time. “It feels good. I’m sure it’ll be an adjustment. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of adrenaline. But my legs feel very fresh,” Banchero said. “It’s not the same as last year where I missed 30-something games. It’s only been 10 games. I’ve done a lot of testing — running, jumping, dunking — all the movements I normally do in games, I’ve been able to do without any pain or discomfort. So, I’m excited.”

Banchero’s numbers and when he last played

The 23-year-old last appeared on Nov. 12 in Orlando’s 124–107 win over the New York Knicks, leaving the game due to a left groin strain. Before the injury, he recorded four points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 12 minutes. The setback paused a strong start to his fourth NBA campaign, as Banchero has averaged 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 46.1% from the field across 32.8 minutes per game.

In Banchero’s absence, the Magic posted a 7–3 record, helping them stabilize their position in the Eastern Conference standings. Orlando enters Friday as the No. 6 seed after a narrow 114–112 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

During that stretch, the Magic’s offense saw a major jump, averaging 122.3 points per game — the third-best mark in the NBA behind only the Boston Celtics (122.6) and Denver Nuggets (125.7). The surge came thanks to improved ball movement, increased pace and expanded roles for players such as Anthony Black, Paolo’s teammate Franz Wagner, and point guard Tyus Jones.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Magic have listd Paolo Banchero as available to play in tonight’s matchup against the Heat.

Banchero suffered a left groin strain on Wednesday, November 12th, during a victory against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, where he played only 12 minutes.

Since being injured, Banchero has missed 10 consecutive games, representing a major loss for the Magic. However, the Jamahl Mosley-led teams have managed to navigate their star’s absence, compiling an impressive record of 7 wins and 3 defeats after a slow start to the NBA season.

However, when Banchero is healthy, the Magic elevate their game to the next level. Through the 12 games he has played this season, the 2022 NBA Draft first overall pick is averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, making him a fundamental piece in Mosley’s system.

Banchero on possible return

After a long period of recovery and inactivity, Banchero will return to the court just as the Magic are enjoying a strong run. “It means a lot,” Banchero said Thursday night about his possible return, as reported by Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel.

“You don’t take any opportunity to be on the court for granted and I’ve been doing a lot to get back on the court, really ramping up trying to get back out there the guys. So hopefully I’m able to go,” he added.

In an interview with The Athletic, Banchero welcomed the external pressure placed on both himself and the organization following back-to-back playoff appearances and an offseason that reshaped the roster.

“Honestly, that’s like music to my ears,” Banchero said. “Let’s just say I’m very relieved to have some real expectations for our team and for myself. I think, just as a competitor, as a winner, as a player, you want to be expected to be great.”

The 22-year-old forward emphasized that the Magic’s recent playoff experience, including consecutive first-round exits, has prepared them for the next step.

“I think the sky is our limit,” Banchero said. “We’ve had our experiences in the playoffs, losing in the first round for two years. We brought guys in who made deep runs in the playoffs and been on some good teams. So I think we can go as far as we allow ourselves to go. The one thing you don’t want to do is beat yourself. Being a younger team, you have to be able to correct mistakes on the fly and in the moment.”

Banchero confident the Magic can go further

Banchero outlined his belief that Orlando should be considered among the Eastern Conference contenders, especially with talent like Franz Wagner around him.

“I think we should be a deep playoff team. Hopefully, that means the Finals. But if it’s anything shorter than that, then Eastern Conference Finals. I want to play deep into the playoffs. I think we have a deep roster. It’s easy to say this now, but we’ve got to go out there, play the season, and win those games when they come. That’s what I’m excited for. But honestly, seeing our team, seeing the guys so far — it’s early, but I think we have the type of team that can make a run to the Finals.”

Last season, despite being limited to 46 NBA games with a torn oblique, Banchero averaged 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He further elevated his play in the postseason, averaging 29.4 points against the Boston Celtics in Orlando’s first-round series.

With Flagg out of the picture, they recruited another talented forward who is expected to lead the squad to another Final Four and perhaps a championship game. Cameron Boozer, son of Duke’s icon Carlos Boozer, joined the Blue Devils with his twin brother, Cayden, to continue with their family legacy in Durham.

Jon Scheyer couldn’t be more excited about his new star forward, who he thinks shares similarities with another former No. 1 overall pick.

Jon Scheyer compares Cameron Boozer to former Duke top prospect

During a conversation with Jon Rothstein on an episode of the “Inside College Basketball” podcast, Scheyer discussed what can be expected from Boozer. He went as far as to say that Boozer shares similarities with Paolo Banchero.

“He’s like Paolo from a body perspective,” Scheyer said. “There’s differences in their game for sure, but Paolo, when he stepped on the floor, he always knocked people back with how big he was. I think Cam has the ability to do the same thing. He’s always been the biggest guy on the floor and now he gets a chance to play with Pat (Ngongba) and Maliq (Brown) where he’s not going to be the biggest guy. I think that’s a huge advantage for him, using his size and then having the ball skills of a guard.”

Their phenotype are very similar. Boozer is listed at 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds on Duke’s website, while Banchero, now with the Orlando Magic, was listed at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds when he was with the Blue Devils. It remains to be seen how far he can go with the Blue Devils this season and if he can take them to the top of college basketball.

Acknowledging the team’s growing potential, Banchero didn’t hold back during a recent interview. “I’m just looking forward to competing at a high level,” he said. “Going to hopefully take the East. Get around this new team, this new energy, these new vibes.”

Banchero also showed excitement about sharing the floor with newly acquired guard Desmond Bane. “Desmond Bane is a hell of a player,” he said. “Can’t wait to share the court with him and just compete with him.”

Orlando made a significant statement this offseason. After pulling off a trade to acquire Bane and locking down their backcourt, the Magic doubled down by offering Banchero a massive contract extension, ensuring the franchise’s centerpiece remains in place long term.

The Magic now boast one of the most exciting young cores in the league. With Banchero and Bane headlining the lineup, and Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs providing support, Orlando have assembled a foundation built for sustained success.

Last season, the Magic returned to the NBA postseason but were knocked out in the first round by the Boston Celtics. While the early exit could be seen as a disappointment, it was more a reflection of the team’s inexperience than a lack of talent or potential.

With more maturity and added firepower, Orlando are ready to take the next step. The combination of youth, hunger, and high-level talent makes them a legitimate threat to rise in the East — and possibly go even further.

“The reason I say he’s (Paolo Banchero) better than Wemby is because Wemby ain’t really did nothing. We just like Wemby because he’s a freak… He’s a phenomenal player, but I’m just going to go with what I see,” Jeff Teague said, via Club 520 podcast.

While Jeff’s statements stirred controversy, Paolo Banchero has firmly established himself as one of the league’s premier talents. Playing for the Orlando Magic, he clinched the Rookie of the Year award and led the franchise offensively by averaging an impressive 25.9 points per game during the 2024-25 season.

Despite Paolo’s undeniable talent, many fans strongly oppose Teague’s perspective, favoring Victor Wembanyama as the superior player. Statistically, the Spurs‘ standout has surpassed Banchero in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks on average since his debut. Additionally, the Spurs star has maintained an impressive three-point shooting efficiency of 35.2%, outperforming the Magic star.

Victor Wembanyama still working to recover peak shape after season-ending injury

Despite an impressive rookie season, his sophomore year faced an untimely setback due to deep vein thrombosis, limiting his campaign to just 46 games. Fortunately, he is set to rejoin the San Antonio Spurs for the 2025-26 season. To ensure a robust return, he pivoted his summer focus away from basketball to embrace an unconventional training regimen.

In an interview with L’Equipe, Victor revealed his surprising summer dedication to Kung Fu. “We were initiated there into the life of a warrior monk, which combines Buddhism and intensive kung fu practice… We used muscles that we rarely used and which were quickly overloaded,” he said.

Additionally, NBA insider Michael C. Wright reports that Wembanyama believes this Kung Fu training will significantly improve his body positioning and range of motion, elements crucial for a successful comeback.

“Our leadership believes in this group and is willing to pay what it takes to compete for a championship. We told them that if we wait too long because of finances, that we might not get there. A window is open now, and we’re young enough to keep that window open for a while,” a Magic executive said, via Spotrac.

These decisions have already been evidenced starting with Paolo Banchero’s multi-million dollar 5-year contract renewal valued at $239,934,400 guaranteed, as reported by Spotrac. This move reflects the team’s clear intentions for the future by looking for a star player to build around. However, it is not the only bet they have made in this window as they have also resigned Moritz Wagner to a one-year $5 million deal.

Furthermore, the Orlando Magic made a pivotal acquisition, landing sought-after sharpshooting guard Desmond Bane. At just 25 years old, he has consistently impressed on the court, posting averages of 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists during his recent season with the Memphis Grizzlies. Complementing this strategic move, the Magic also signed Tyus Jones to a one-year contract worth $7 million.

Two-time NBA champion delivers bold take on how Desmond Bane’s arrival will elevate Paolo Banchero

The Orlando Magic made a strategic move that flew under the radar for many by securing Desmond Bane. At 25, he arrives with significant experience in the league, demonstrating not only scoring prowess but also exceptional creativity on the court. Recognizing this, a two-time NBA champion has noted how Bane’s addition could greatly benefit the team’s cornerstone, Paolo Banchero.

“I think Paolo Banchero is a top-five player in this league, if you give him space, if you give him an extra foot, that’s like giving him buckets. Desmond Bane does that. He might not have to get 20 to affect the overall part of their game… Bane I think has that same effect,” Mike Miller said, via The OGs podcast.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, the player in question is Cole Anthony, who is finalizing the final steps of a contract buyout. Once that process is complete, he’s expected to sign with the Bucks.

“Cole Anthony has agreed to a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and plans to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks after he clears waivers, sources tell ESPN. Grizzlies finalized the buyout with Jeff Schwartz and Javon Phillips of Excel Sports for Anthony’s new opportunity,” Charania reported on X.

A Solid Pickup for Milwaukee’s Bench

Anthony has steadily improved year over year, playing a key bench role since the 2022–23 season. He’s averaged 11.3 points per game over the last three seasons and appeared in 67 games last year alongside Paolo Banchero in Orlando, where he has played since entering the league in 2020.

Last season, the Bucks relied heavily on Gary Trent Jr. and A.J. Green as their primary contributors off the bench. Both are still under contract for one more season, but their long-term future with the team remains unclear.

Trying to Fill the Void

Lillard’s departure left a major gap in the Bucks’ rotation. The veteran guard averaged 24.9 points per game in the regular season—second-highest on the team. Milwaukee now faces the challenge of reshaping its backcourt and finding a point guard who can either step into that role or provide valuable support off the bench.

Still, the Magic decided to give that player another opportunity, signing him to a $5 million deal. The player is Moritz Wagner, one of the German players on the roster, who will return for another season alongside Banchero.

“Free agent forward/center Moe Wagner has agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal to return to the Orlando Magic, sources tell ESPN. Wagner’s agent, Jason Glushon, reached the new contract with Magic executives on Friday,” reported Shams Charania on X.

Magic sticking with Moritz

Despite his limited number of games last NBA season before the injury, Wagner was seen as a top contributor. Charania even noted in his report that “through his 30 games, Wagner had emerged as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate and led NBA in PPG among players to average under 20 minutes.”

Wagner has averaged over 10 points per game in three straight seasons with Orlando. Since joining the team in the 2020–21 season, he’s had some of the best years of his career and has also shared the court with his younger brother, Franz.

How much has Moritz earned in Orlando?

Orlando has been by far the most lucrative stop in Wagner’s career. He’s earned $22.8 million with the Magic—far more than the $5.78 million combined from his time with the Lakers, Wizards, and Celtics.

In a recent conversation on The Pivot Podcast, Banchero discussed the Magic’s performance over the past few seasons and what has held them back from becoming true contenders. “Learning from these last two years, right? We’ve been out in the first round the last two years in the playoffs,” he noted.

“Now, why is that? What do we need to get better at? What do we need to work on? Where are some of our deficiencies, where are some of our strengths? And how does it all translate into winning in the playoffs? I think that’s the biggest thing. Not only focusing on the regular season success, but how can we be successful in the playoffs,” the 22-year-old forward explained.

“I see some of these teams like the Knicks or the Cavaliers,” the Orlando star added. “The Knicks, they’ve been in the playoffs the last couple of years, but they went and got some guys, and I think their mind is, they’re trying to win for the playoffs. And Boston, they’re trying to win for the playoffs.”

Banchero emphasized that there’s something in the approach of franchises like the Knicks or the Celtics that’s allowed them to reach this point: “You can just feel that when you play against some of those teams. So I think that’s our next step. Focusing on what do we need to do as a team, as an organization, to have success in winning the playoffs and make those deep runs.”

In the same conversation with The Pivot Podcast, Paolo Banchero explained that beyond team and organizational mindset, success in the postseason also requires favorable circumstances—like health and timing—that are often beyond control.

“Health, I think it’s the biggest thing,” the power forward stated. “Obviously, not everyone’s going to be healthy all the 82 games, but you want your main guys to be healthy, you know, for the playoffs. So, I think this year, not having Jalen Suggs, that hurt us a little bit because he’s such a big piece for us.”

Indeed, Suggs had a 2024–25 season plagued by injuries that kept him off the court for extended stretches. In January alone, he appeared in just three games before the Magic ultimately ruled him out for the season due to knee issues. In total, the guard played only 35 games throughout the campaign.

Banchero himself wasn’t spared from injuries either. He appeared in just 46 of the 82 regular-season games due to an oblique injury that sidelined him through November, December, and part of January. Upon returning, Paolo played a key role in helping Orlando reach the NBA playoffs—though their postseason run was brief, as they were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Celtics in five games.

“(Brown and Tatum), those two All-NBA, All-Star caliber guys...They’ve been there before in the playoffs and in the spotlight. Those guys are going to present a huge challenge. We know that coming in. They’re going to be ready. They are part of a championship team so they are not going to lay down,” stated Banchero on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

The Boston Celtics have been one of the best teams this season. They finished second in the Eastern Conference. Head coach Joe Mazzulla built a team that stands out for its strong defense. At the same time, the offense runs through Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. This duo gives Boston constant scoring and leadership on the floor. Their consistency and balance set them apart from most opponents.

In contrast, the Orlando Magic had a much different journey. They struggled to secure a playoff spot from the start. Throughout the season, Magic faced tough matchups and failed to stay consistent. However, they continued to fight and eventually reached the postseason.

Moreover, their youth has not limited their performance on the court. Paolo Banchero, for instance, leads the team with 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He stands out as the driving force behind their success.

Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley gives high praise to Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla

The Orlando Magic have exceeded expectations this season. Their success stems from a strong defense and a talented young core. Head coach Jamahl Mosley has played a central role. He continues to earn praise for his leadership and the way he brings the group together. As the team prepares for a tough playoff matchup, Mosley is also taking time to acknowledge great coaching across the league.

“Joe is an excellent basketball mind…We spent time in the summer a little bit. Just being able to talk and have nice dialogue at coaches association meetings. Seeing him in Vegas a few times. Just a great basketball mind. They talked about him being young and winning his first championship, I think he’s handled it with an unbelievable amount of grace and resiliency and toughness for someone’s first time,” stated Mosley.

Joe Mazzulla has led Boston to one of the NBA’s top records. He continues to prove that last season’s Finals run was no fluke. Even though he is one of the league’s youngest coaches, he stands out for his leadership and his ability to connect with players. As both teams head into the playoffs, coaching will be a deciding factor. Mosley knows how important that edge can be when everything is on the line.