The Orlando Magic will be without Paolo Banchero for a while after the star forward was diagnosed with a torn right oblique muscle, the team announced Thursday. (More Sports News)
The 2023-24 All-Star will be out indefinitely and is expected to be re-evaluated in four to six weeks.
Banchero appeared to suffer the injury in Wednesday night바카라™s loss to the Chicago Bulls, just two days after posting 50 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists against the Indiana Pacers.
Losing Banchero is a significant blow to an Orlando team looking to improve on last season바카라™s play-off appearance and climb into the contenders바카라™ tier in the Eastern Conference.
Banchero is averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists through five games this season.
Replacing the former No. 1 overall pick바카라™s offensive creation will be very difficult, but the Magic have capable forwards in Moritz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac, who can absorb Banchero바카라™s minutes and play well defensively.
Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs have both shown improved offensive efficiency early this season and could carry a larger share of the scoring load until Banchero can return.
The Magic (3-2) visit the Cleveland Cavaliers (5-0) on Friday.
