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Banchero, who got injured Wednesday night, will be out indefinitely and be re-evaluated in four-to-six weeks.
Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero has a torn right oblique, the team said Thursday night after he had further testing in Cleveland.
President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman said Banchero will be out indefinitely and be re-evaluated in four-to-six weeks.
Banchero was injured Wednesday night in the fourth quarter of Orlando’s victory at Chicago. He scored a career-high 50 points against Indiana on Monday night and is averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists in five games this season.
The injury could significantly affect Banchero’s candidacy for end-of-season awards, as a lengthy recovery could keep him below the required 65 games needed for consideration.
Banchero, who was having a standout season with career-high averages, previously earned Rookie of the Year honors and made his first All-Star team. With his absence, the Magic will rely on players like Franz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac to step up in key roles, as Banchero was their leading scorer.
Banchero was the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft.
Orlando is at Cleveland on Friday night.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Associated Press)