The Orlando Magic have been without Paolo Banchero for the last 10 games. He has been out with a left groin strain. Over the last couple of seasons, Banchero has struggled with injuries and staying healthy. However, the Magic have thrived without him.
In the 10 games that Banchero has missed, the Magic have gone 7-3. In fact, they are almost playing better without Banchero in the lineup. Desmond Bane has stepped up and provided a level of offense that Orlando didn’t have prior to Banchero’s injury.
Banchero is listed as questionable ahead of a game against the Heat. Banchero was asked if he was going to play, and he gave an interesting injury update on his progress.
GettyPaolo Banchero dribbles the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Paolo Banchero is Hoping to Play Against the Heat
When asked about him having a chance to get out there and play, Banchero told the media that he hopes he can get out there and play.
“It means a lot. You don’t take any opportunity to be on the court for granted, and I’ve been doing a lot to get back on the court, really ramping up trying to get back out there with the guys. So hopefully I’m able to go.”
Banchero has been playing some of the best individual basketball of his career this season. His offensive rating, true shooting percentage, and rebound percentage are the highest of his career. The Magic are hoping that they can get him back sooner rather than later.
Even with Banchero out of the lineup for the last couple of weeks, the Orlando Magic sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. They seem to have turned the corner in terms of their offense, which gives them hope that they can be a top-four seed in the East.
GettyPaolo Banchero drives the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic Need Paolo Banchero Back
Despite the record that they have without Banchero in the lineup, the Magic cannot hit their ceiling without him in the lineup. His ability to give them a bucket in the half-court when things break down is not something they possess with him off the court.
Orlando has a top ten offense and a top defense. Those numbers have each been slightly better in the last 10 games. That likely would not continue to be the case if Banchero continues to miss a large segment of games, especially later in the season.
If Banchero does not play against the Heat, there’s a good chance that he plays in the Magic’s next game against the Knicks. Integrating him back into the lineup shouldn’t be too hard, as he hasn’t missed 20 or 30 games. He has only been out for a couple of weeks.
If the Magic start to struggle when Banchero gets back into the lineup, there might be some outside chatter that the team is better without him. That is not something that anyone within the organization truly believes. Banchero is still their best individual player, and he has gotten better every year.
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