After the Magic fell to the Timberwolves by 15 points on Thursday night, Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said his team “didn’t have the energy needed” to win against Minnesota. There might not have been anything better to give Orlando a much-needed boost of energy Friday night vs.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero made his return from a 34-game absence lived up to the billing, but the Magic fell in a thriller 109-106.

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.

The night 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?

The latest on player health and status ahead of Friday night's matchup between the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks.

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.

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.

Paolo Banchero will play on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Orlando Magic announced. Banchero has not seen game action since tearing his oblique in October. He missed 34 games due to the injury.