Orlando Magic’s promising rookie, Paolo Banchero, has suffered a significant setback. The 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year has been diagnosed with a torn right oblique and will be sidelined for at least four to six weeks.
The injury occurred during the Magic’s game against the Chicago Bulls on November 1st. Paolo Banchero, having a stellar start to the season, had just scored a career-high 50 points in a game against the Indiana Pacers.
A Tweet read,
BREAKING: Paolo Banchero suffered a hip injury and will miss 4-6 weeks
Brutal, brutal news pic.twitter.com/kelY8aZD4I
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 1, 2024
Banchero’s Stellar Start to the Season
Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has been off to a phenomenal start this season. Through his first five games, he averaged 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His standout performance included a 50-point game against the Indiana Pacers, making him the second-youngest player in NBA history to achieve such a feat.
Details of the Injury
The injury occurred during the Magic’s recent game against the Chicago Bulls, where Banchero was diagnosed with a torn right oblique. The team announced that he will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks, and his return will depend on how he responds to treatment. This timeline means that Paolo Banchero could miss a significant portion of the season, including several key matchups.
Impact on the Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Magic, who have started the season with a 3-2 record. His scoring and playmaking abilities have been crucial to the team’s success, and without him, other players will need to step up to fill the void. Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr. will likely see increased responsibilities on the court.
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