The Magic Insider

Latest Magic Status Updates on Paolo Banchero, Jonathan Isaac and Gary Harris

The latest on Paolo Banchero, Jonathan Isaac and Gary Harris' statuses as the Orlando Magic returned to the AdventHealth Training Center for practice on Friday.

Mason Williams

The Orlando Magic returned to practice on Friday afternoon at the AdventHealth Training Center.
The Orlando Magic returned to practice on Friday afternoon at the AdventHealth Training Center. / Mason Williams, Orlando Magic on SI
In this story:

ORLANDO, Fla. – As the Orlando Magic returned to practice Friday at the AdventHealth Training Center, two players weren't visible for the team's session.

One was All-Star forward Paolo Banchero, who coach Jamahl Mosley said was unable to go through Orlando's practice as he works his way back from a torn right oblique.

"He was not able to practice," Mosley said. "He's doing the same ball-handling [and] light movement on the floor, and then just trying to find ways to get the cardio up without applying too much pressure.

"But again, he's just slowly moving his way to touching the court," Mosley added.

Banchero has missed 22 games with the torn abdominal muscle injury he suffered Oct. 30 at Chicago. The third-year pro's initial diagnosis listed him out indefinitely with re-evaluation coming after a four-to-six-week period. During the Magic's five-game road trip in the Northeast, the All-Star forward told Magic on SI and the Orlando Sentinel that he'd returned to the court for light ball-handling and spot-shooting.

While answering questions about Franz Wagner's torn right oblique this past Sunday – Wagner was the other player not at the Magic's Friday practice – Mosley was hesitant to put a timeline on when Banchero could return for Orlando.

"I think that's again why we don't put timelines on it because each guy is unique and each guy is different in the way in which they recover," Mosley said.

In more positive news for Orlando, Jonathan Isaac and Gary Harris – two key reserves who are each dealing with a hamstring issue – were involved in Orlando's session Friday.

Isaac, who's missed three consecutive contests with a right hamstring injury, went through Orlando's practice Friday and "was good."

Harris, who's been absent for eight consecutive games with a left hamstring strain, went "through a little bit of movement to see... what he's able to do.

"But guys are responding well," Mosley said, "and we'll just have to take it more day-to-day to see how they respond from these treatments and going through a little bit of practice.

Both players were seen getting extra shots beyond the conclusion of Friday's practice.

The Magic tipoff a seven-game homestand at the Kia Center on Sunday evening with a game versus the New York Knicks at 6 p.m. ET.

Related Stories on the Orlando Magic

  • OSCEOLA CHECK-IN: The latest news and notes surrounding the Magic's G League affiliate Osceola Magic. CLICK HERE
  • MAGIC HOSTING KNICKS SUNDAY: Orlando will face New York just over a week after the Knicks trounced Orlando for the top spot in the NBA Cup group stage. For more details, CLICK HERE
  • MAGIC, FRANZ LEAN ON ONE ANOTHER THROUGH INJURY: Until he returns, the Magic are supporting Franz Wagner however possible as he deals with a torn oblique. CLICK HERE
  • NBA TAKING NOTICE OF MAGIC'S RESOLVE: Down their two best players, the Magic are still turning heads with their impressive play nearly a third of the way into the NBA season. CLICK HERE
  • NEXT MAN UP MENTALITY FACES TOUGHEST TEST YET: Orlando is navigating a new normal without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in the fold because of torn obliques. Now, the "real version" of their next-man-up mantra faces its toughest test. CLICK HERE
  • MAGIC'S 2024-25 SCHEDULE: See the complete slate for the Orlando Magic in 2024-25 and all the details – dates, locations, TV, tip times, and more – that you need to know. CLICK HERE

Want more Orlando Magic coverage on Sports Illustrated?

Follow 'Orlando Magic on SI' on Facebook and like our page. Follow Magic beat reporter Mason Williams on Twitter/X @mvsonwilliams. Also, bookmark our homepage so you never miss a story.

Published
Mason Williams
MASON WILLIAMS

Home/News