Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo had high praise for Paolo Banchero and the Magic after Friday’s game at Kia Center. “Orlando is a dangerous team,” the two-time NBA MVP said.

Paolo Banchero is not a patient person. The Orlando Magic forward acknowledges that he’s been frustrated for much of the last 2 1/2 months while recovering from a torn oblique muscle, one that kept him out of the lineup for 34 games.

The Magic's franchise player thrived in his return from an oblique injury, though it wasn't enough for the win.

It might take a while for chemistry to regenerate with Orlando’s All-Star forward, but the team is 19-14 without him entering Thursday.

Having Banchero back in the mix gives the Magic offense a whole new set of weapons. And if he’s able to return to the form he evidenced in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign, then he should be able to keep the Magic as one of the best teams in the East as the regular season rapidly approaches its mid-point.

Banchero has missed the Magic's last 33 games, and he will reportedly miss a 34th on when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. On the official injury report, he is still listed as "questionable" for that game, as of Thursday afternoon.

Paolo Banchero’s return from injury can influence the Orlando Magic’s trade deadline plans, potentially impacting key roster decisions.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero will not play in Thursday’s game against Timberwolves after being listed as questionable earlier in the day, a potential sign of his return to the lineup for the first time since Oct. 30.

Paolo Banchero suffered a torn right abdominal muscle, the Magic were fourth in the East. It was still early in the season and Jamahl Mosley‘s squad had played just five games. But 72 days and 35 games later?