Be careful for the Orlando Magic.
On Wednesday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that star ahead Paolo Banchero is about to make his return.
The Magic (22-16, fourth in Jap Convention) have efficiently withstood Banchero’s damage. Over the previous month they’ve notched wins in opposition to the Celtics (27-10, second in Jap Convention) and, most not too long ago, the Knicks (24-14, third in Jap Convention) on Monday.
However having Banchero (indirect) return for the season’s second half will likely be an enormous enhance to a crew that may very well be the most important Jap Convention sleeper.
Per Stathead, he is certainly one of 9 gamers with a 50-point recreation this season. He was the primary to hit the mark in a 119-115 win over the Pacers on Oct. 28. By means of the primary 5 video games of the season, Banchero averaged 29 factors, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists.
The No. 1 total choose of the 2022 NBA Draft, hasn’t performed since Oct. 30, when he scored 31 factors in a 102-99 loss to the Bulls (17-19, tenth in Jap Convention).
Charania wrote that Banchero is predicted to return throughout Orlando’s upcoming dwelling back-to-back — in opposition to the Timberwolves (Thursday, 7 p.m. ET, NBA TV) or Bucks (Friday, 7 p.m. ET).
Banchero will present an instantaneous scoring enhance to a Magic squad that’s final within the league in scoring (105.2 factors per recreation)
The Magic have relied on their excellent protection to remain afloat within the Jap Convention. They rank second within the league in factors allowed per recreation (103.2) and play on the league’s slowest tempo.
Arguably, no crew has been extra negatively impacted by accidents this season. Orlando ranks first in wins above substitute (WAR) misplaced resulting from gamers being unavailable.
In December, ahead Franz Wagner’s breakout season was reduce quick after he suffered an indirect damage in opposition to the 76ers, and the crew hasn’t offered a timetable for his return.
The Magic are additionally with out middle Moritz Wagner (torn ACL) for the remainder of the common season. Capturing guards Gary Harris (hamstring) and Jalen Suggs (again) missed Orlando’s Monday win in opposition to the Knicks.
If Banchero’s forthcoming return from his months-long absence is the primary of many constructive damage updates, Orlando may very well be headed for a giant second half to the season.
