Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) reacts during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Despite falling to the Atlanta Hawks in their season opener, the Orlando Magic could take comfort in knowing that Paolo Banchero filled up the stat sheet with a historic game. They lost again on Friday night, and this defeat is accompanied by far more concern. The franchise pillar suffered an ankle injury versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, inducing groans throughout the fan base.
Magic head coach Sean Sweeney did not provide much information following the 115-93 home loss, but he did confirm that Banchero has a sore ankle, per the Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede. The All-Star forward will undergo further evaluations.
Following all the rumored tension between him and now-former HC Jamahl Mosley, Banchero is under considerable pressure to have a huge year. He got off to a terrific start on Wednesday, posting 35 points on 10-of-12 shooting with 10 rebounds and seven assists. Consistency is everything, however, and it cannot be achieved unless he is healthy.
The 2022-23 Rookie of the Year finished his second game of the season with 14 points, six boards, five dimes and one steal in 26 minutes of action. He has until Sunday night's road matchup versus the New York Knicks to get his ankle in working order. The Magic will not take unnecessary risks, though. They need Paolo Banchero to be impactful for the length of the campaign.
Fortunately, Orlando has talent at its disposal. Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. must all prepare to carry an even bigger workload in the coming days. Hopefully, Sweeney will have more to share this weekend.