Paolo Banchero to Miss Multiple Weeks With Low-Grade High Ankle Sprain

Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks following a low-grade high ankle sprain sustained during a loss to Minnesota.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has sustained a low-grade high ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks, according to team announcements and reporting from ESPN's Shams Charania. The injury occurred during the first half of Orlando’s 115-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Banchero, who reported discomfort starting in the first quarter, sat out the entire fourth period and finished the contest with 14 points and six rebounds.

Sources indicate the typical recovery timetable for this specific diagnosis is four to six weeks. Before the injury, the 2024 All-Star was averaging team-high marks of 24.5 points and 7.5 assists per game, while shooting 70% from the field across the early season. Over his career, the former No. 1 overall pick has maintained averages of 22.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.

Orlando has historically navigated absences from their core lineup, having reached the playoffs the last two years despite Banchero missing 46 games and teammates Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs missing 70 and 72 games, respectively. Last season, the Magic posted a 7-3 record in the 10 games Banchero missed. When the quartet of Banchero, Wagner, Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr. plays together, the team holds a 40-26 record over the past three regular seasons.