Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has a low-grade high right ankle sprain, the team announced on 24 October (US time) after an MRI confirmed the injury. He was hurt in the first half of Orlando's 115-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on 23 October (US time), a result that dropped the Magic to 0-2 this season. According to the Associated Press, via NBA.com, Orlando are bracing to be without him "for what will almost certainly be multiple weeks", although no formal timetable for his return has been set.
How it happened
Banchero told The Orlando Sentinel after the game, AP reported, that the discomfort began in the first quarter. He played on regardless, logging essentially his normal minutes with 26 through three quarters, and sat out the fourth with the outcome all but decided.
The Magic's statement said he was injured in the first half against Minnesota and that the MRI had confirmed the low-grade sprain of his right high ankle.
A fast start interrupted
Banchero had opened the 2026-27 season in top form. Through two games, AP's figures have him leading Orlando with 24.5 points and 7.5 assists per game, adding 6.5 rebounds on 70% shooting.
| Stat | 2026-27 (2 games) | Career average |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 24.5 | 22.4 |
| Rebounds per game | 6.5 | 7.4 |
| Assists per game | 7.5 | 4.8 |
Table compiled by KBVN+ from figures reported by AP on NBA.com. The season numbers come from just two games, but they put him 2.1 points and 2.7 assists above his career averages for Orlando, with 0.9 fewer rebounds.
Banchero was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 draft and an All-Star in 2024. The Magic do have recent experience of playing without him: AP noted that they went 7-3 in 10 games without Banchero last season.
What's next
The Magic said: "He will undergo further testing and evaluation, and his status will be updated as appropriate." There is no formal timetable for his return, and AP pointed out that a low-grade high ankle sprain typically takes several weeks or even months to heal. By AP's arithmetic, a four-week absence would sideline him for about 13 games.
For the rest of the 23 October (US time) schedule, see our roundup of the night's 12 games. KBVN+ has also covered Cooper Flagg's left shoulder injury.