Paolo Banchero breaks his silence after returning from injury

ByNBAUSA


Paolo Banchero is officially ready to rejoin the Orlando Magic lineupending a 10-game absence that tested the team’s depth and reshaped its offensive rhythm. Ahead of the Magic’s matchup against the Miami Heat on Friday night, the All-Star forward he detailed his recovery process and expressed his excitement about the final return to the floor.

Banchero spoke to Jason Bead of the Orlando Sentinel during the shootaround, confirming that he will be available when The Magic (13–9) closed out their three-game sweep against Miami (2–8) at 7 p.m. ET.

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

The 23-year-old has hasn’t played since Nov. 12, when he left Orlando’s 124–107 win over the New York Knicks after suffering a left groin strain. Before the injury, he recorded four points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in 12 minutes. The setback halted a strong start to his fourth NBA season.

In 12 games, Banchero averaged 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 46.1% from the field in 32.8 minutes per game. He emphasized that unlike last year’s longer absence, this recovery involves less time and more controlled physical progress.

“It feels good. I’m sure it will be an adjustment. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of adrenaline. But my legs are very fresh,” Banchero said. “It’s not like last year when I missed 30-something games. You know, it’s only been 10 games. I’ve done a lot of testing, running, jumping and dunks — all the movements I normally do in the game, I was able to do without any pain or discomfort. So I’m excited.”

The Magic’s offensive surge continues as Paolo Banchero returns for the matchup against the Heat

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) looks to shoot the ball against the Miami Heat in the third quarter at the Kia Center.
© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In Buncher’s absence, the Magic posted a 7–3 record, stabilizing their position in the Eastern Conference standings. Orlando enters Friday as the No. 6 seed after a close 114-112 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. During Bancher’s absence, the Magic experienced a significant uptick offensively, averaging 122.3 points per game — third in the NBA in that span behind only the Boston Celtics (122.6) and the Denver Nuggets (125.7). The team also posted a +8.9 net rating, the fourth-best mark in the league during that span.

The increase mainly came from improved ball movement, increased pace and expanded roles for players such as Desmond Bain, Anthony Black and Tyus Jones. Buncher’s return adds another layer to an offense that has grown while maintaining a defensive structure.

Bid also shared a video of Banchero going through shooting drills alongside Jones, Black and rookie Jace Richardson. In a separate update, he noted that head coach Jamahl Mosley felt encouraged by the forward’s progress.

“Magic coach Jamal Mosley said Paolo Banchero was able to go through a full scrimmage session with the team this morning and ‘looked great.’

Friday’s meeting with the Heat marks Orlando’s final home game before the doubleheader. With Buncher back in the fold, the Magic aim to build on an already promising start and maintain their climb up the Eastern Conference standings.





2025-12-05 18:40:00

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