Magic's Paolo Banchero Sees Positive Change in Injury Designation

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has been making significant strides toward a return from a core muscle injury. On Friday, while still listed out on the team's injury report, his designation changed from "torn right oblique" to "return to competition reconditioning."

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) scores against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. / David Banks-Imagn Images

ORLANDO, Fla. — Paolo Banchero's much-anticipated return is still not imminent, but the Orlando Magic All-Star on Friday saw another indicator of progress.

When the team released its injury report ahead of the Friday night game with the New York Knicks, Banchero is still listed as out — the 28th consecutive game he's set to miss.

But nearly two months after suffering a torn oblique on Oct. 30, Banchero's designation had a new title: "return to competition reconditioning."

The change comes after local reporters caught a glimpse of Banchero's conditioning ramp-up on Thursday morning. The audience watching the Magic's leading scorer was a who's who for the organization: players, coaches, training staff, and front office members.

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley was still mum about a timeline for Banchero. "The reality is, it has to go from the days and how he responds from the initial day and then how we bounce back from there," he said. But he did say that the Magic are gradually throwing more things on Banchero's plate and monitoring his response.

Commenting on the crowd invested in Banchero and his workout, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley told reporters on Thursday night that he thought it was "a great thing. He's had their support this entire time. He knows that we're backing him fully, waiting for whenever he makes the move to come back. I think the ability to have your teammates staying with you no matter what's going on is what we've developed here. No matter who, no matter what, no matter when — we are gonna continue to support each other [and] push each other to continue to get where we are supposed to go."

VIDEO: All eyes on Banchero's workout; no timeline yet for return

Banchero, who had played in five games before his injury, was averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists.

Friday's change in status is good news for the Magic, currently 19-13 and fourth in the East.

More good news: Reserve guard Gary Harris, who has missed 13 games with a left hamstring strain that he suffered over a month ago, is listed as probable for Orlando Friday night.

The injury-depleted Magic are digging deep into their bench on a nightly basis for bodies that can help score and defend. Harris, a veteran with solid defensive instincts and an occasional three-point threat, could reinforce Orlando's second unit as they stay afloat until Banchero and Franz Wagner can return.

Up Next

The Magic host the Knicks tonight, Friday, Dec. 27, at 7 p.m. ET. Tipoff is 7 p.m. ET from the Kia Center.

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