The Milwaukee Bucks will face the Orlando Magic for the second time in 2024-25 on Friday, and they will meet a familiar face for the first time this season.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Paolo Banchero is expected to return to the hardwood after missing 33 consecutive games due to a torn oblique. This is a major boost for the injury-ravaged Orlando Magic, even if he’ll likely compete on a minutes restriction.
“I feel really good,” Banchero told reporters in a recent interview. “Just happy to be back, participating in practice and just back with the team.”
“I’m sure it will be a process. I won’t be playing 40 minutes in the first game. Just listening to the coaches and trainers, trusting them. Hopefully, I’m not restricted for too long and I can get out there and play my regular minutes at some point,” the former NBA Rookie of the Year added.
Orlando Magic’s injury report for the Milwaukee Bucks game
Even with the imminent return of Paolo Banchero, who averaged 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in his first five appearances this season, the Orlando Magic remain shorthanded against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.
Jalen Suggs (back), Franz Wagner (oblique), Moritz Wagner (knee), and Gary Harris (hamstring) aren’t expected to play, opening up more minutes for the likes of Tristan da Silva, Goga Bitadze, Wendell Carter Jr., Caleb Houstan, and Cole Anthony.
