Magic’s Paolo Banchero (groin) to return Friday vs. Heat

Ohm YoungmisukDec 6, 2025, 04:06 AM

CloseOhm Youngmisuk has covered the Giants, Jets and the NFL since 2006. Prior to that, he covered the Nets, Knicks and the NBA for nearly a decade. He joined ESPNNewYork.com after working at the New York Daily News for almost 12 years and is a graduate of Michigan State University.

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Paolo Banchero is set to make his return for the Orlando Magic on Friday against the Miami Heat.

The Magic’s star power forward had missed 10 straight games with a left groin strain. Banchero suffered the injury during the Magic’s win against the Knicks in New York on Nov. 12.

The Magic started playing their best basketball of the season one game before Banchero suffered his injury, and they have won seven of the 10 games since Banchero went out.

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Banchero is averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game on the season.

Orlando and Miami will face each other again Tuesday in an NBA Cup quarterfinal in Orlando.