Mon Nov 04 23:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Orlando Magic Star Paolo Banchero Out Indefinitely with Torn Oblique
**Orlando, FL** – Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a torn right oblique, the team announced Thursday night. The injury occurred during Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls, just two nights after Banchero set a career-high with 50 points against the Indiana Pacers.
Banchero, who was the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft and an All-Star last season, will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. His return to play will depend on his response to treatment.
“I felt it when it happened,” said Banchero, speaking to reporters Friday. “Didn’t know what it was but knew it didn’t feel good. Just tried to play through it, wanted to get it looked at after the game, was hoping it wasn’t too bad but obviously it was a little worse than I thought.”
Banchero’s injury is a significant blow to the Magic, who are hoping to contend for a playoff spot this season. The young star leads the team in usage rate, averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
The team will likely look to Franz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac to fill the void in Banchero’s absence. If Banchero is out for four weeks, he could return for Orlando’s five-game road trip through the Atlantic Division. However, a six-week absence would keep him sidelined for at least 21 games and potentially impact his eligibility for end-of-season awards.
“It sucks. There’s no other way to put it,” said Magic coach Jamahl Mosley. “It sucks for him, the way in which he started this year, the way in which he was playing, the way he’s carrying us in so many ways. And in the same breath, you have to say it’s an opportunity — it’s an opportunity for guys to step up, step into their role, opportunity for guys to continue to play to our standard of basketball.”
First Piper 