In their last 10 games, the Magic have been without all-star PF Paolo Banchero. He suffered a groin injury vs. the Knicks on November 12.
Luckily, the Magic have depth on the roster who can step up when Banchero is out. The Magic went 7-3 in the 10 games that the 23-year-old missed. Ahead of their game on Friday, the Magic announced that Paolo Banchero is returning to the lineup. Orlando is at home on Friday night to face the Miami Heat.
Paolo Banchero is back for the Magic on Friday night for Miami
Paolo Banchero (left groin strain) will be available to play tonight vs Miami. pic.twitter.com/anpCzzGicr
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 5, 2025
With the first overall pick in 2022, the Magic selected Paolo Banchero out of Duke. The 2025-26 season is his fourth year with Orlando. Banchero was named Rookie of the Year in 2022-23 and an all-star in 2023-24. During his 2024-25 campaign, Paolo Banchero missed 33 consecutive games due to an oblique injury. He started 46 games for the team last season. In 2025-26, the young PF has started 12 of his team’s 22 games.
Banchero has missed the last 10 games with a groin injury. During that span, the Magic went 7-3. The team got positive news ahead of their game on Friday vs. the Heat. All-star PF Paolo Banchero is set to return to the lineup. Tristan da Silva started for Orlando while Banchero was out. Now, da Silva will return to a bench role.
“I’m really excited,” #Magic star Paolo Banchero said of his return. “… It’s only been 10 games but it feels like it’s been 50.”
He later added: “All the movements that I normally do in the game, I’ve been able to do without any pain or discomfort.”
Full remarks: https://t.co/vTfSlaKK1a pic.twitter.com/QJr33hEK4j
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) December 5, 2025
Through 12 games in 2025-26, Paolo Banchero is averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. His shooting numbers were down early in the year. His .250 three-point percentage this season is far and away the lowest of his career. It’s a small sample size, and there is room to improve on it. Orlando is playing their best basketball of the season over their last 10 games. That’s with Banchero out of the lineup.
Magic fans are optimistic about what the team can accomplish this year. After a 3-5 start, Orlando is 13-9 this season. Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane have kept the Magic’s offense moving while Paolo Banchero was out. Wagner scored 25+ points in six of his last 10 games. The Magic will be at full strength on Friday night when they face the Miami Heat. How productive will Paolo Banchero be in his first game back?
