Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Magic Announce Paolo Banchero News After Leaving Knicks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Nov 12, 2025 9:06 PM ET

The Orlando Magic have struggled to begin the year, entering Wednesday’s matchup with the New York Knicks with a 5–6 record and tenth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Despite the slow start, Orlando still views itself as a contender capable of making a deep run in the NBA playoffs with Paolo Banchero as the team’s best player. The 23-year-old power forward has continued to take a leap forward, now in his fourth NBA season. His strength and footwork allow him to score in the post and midrange, while his ball-handling and passing make him a reliable playmaker in transition.

Through his first 11 games, Banchero has averaged 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 46.6% from the field and 25.0% from beyond the arc. Despite his inefficient shooting from three-point range, Banchero remains one of the most impactful young players in the league.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5)© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Knicks, Banchero got off to a steady start, recording four points, four rebounds and two assists in the first half. However, during his second stint in the second quarter, Banchero played just one minute before signaling to the bench and heading straight to the locker room. The moment raised immediate concern, especially given his importance to the Magic’s offense and overall identity.

Shortly after his exit, the team announced that Banchero had suffered a left groin strain and was listed as questionable to return. As the second half began, he was not seen on the bench, and the Magic later confirmed he would not return to the game. “Paolo Banchero will not return tonight at New York due to a left groin strain,” the team wrote on X.

Paolo Banchero will not return tonight at New York due to a left groin strain.
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 13, 2025

The injury now casts uncertainty over his short-term availability, and with Orlando sitting in the tenth seed in the Eastern Conference, any extended absence could have significant implications.

Banchero was selected first overall by the Magic in the 2022 NBA Draft following a standout season at Duke. He won Rookie of the Year in 2023 and earned his first All-Star selection in 2024, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s premier young talents. Last season, his momentum was disrupted by injury, and the Magic are hoping that pattern does not repeat in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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