Paolo Banchero's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (oblique) was only able to play a handful of games before going down at the end of October. Banchero suffered a torn right oblique muscle which came with roughly a two-month timetable to return. However, Banchero recently said that he's feeling good and that he thinks he can get back on the court before Christmas. The Magic could certainly use the help of the All-Star forward, but they aren't going to rush him back. He'll likely be re-evaluated in the coming weeks, so fantasy managers will know more information after that. For now, Jonathan Isaac and Moritz Wagner will continue seeing increased roles in the rotation. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Banchero as it sounds like he could be back in possibly a month.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (oblique) is out indefinitely after suffering a torn right oblique muscle. Wow, this sucks for both fantasy managers and basketball fans in general. Banchero was off to an excellent start to the season, including a 50-point effort on Monday. The All-Star forward is set to be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks. It's going to be nearly impossible for the Magic to fill the void left by Banchero. The assumption is that Jonathan Isaac and Moritz Wagner see increased roles for the next month or so. Between the two, Wagner is the better fantasy option given Isaac's injury history. However, both players should see a boost in playing time with the Magic shorthanded at the forward spot.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero finished with a massive double-double in Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He had a team-high 38 points and 16 rebounds, adding three steals and one block. Unfortunately, his stellar performance wasn't enough to lead his team to the win. With the Magic now eliminated from the postseason after seven hard-fought contests with the Cavs, Orlando will look to improve the roster during the offseason. With that said, the club will remain constructed around Banchero, who showed signs of growth in his second season in the league by averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. Although his shooting numbers could use some work, he'll likely improve in 2024-25, raising his stock in category formats.