Magic F Paolo Banchero (groin) ruled out vs. Nets

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero will miss Friday's home game against the Brooklyn Nets after an MRI on Thursday confirmed a left groin strain.

Banchero will be considered day-to-day moving forward, with the Magic set to face the Houston Rockets on the road Sunday.

Banchero played just 12 minutes on his 23rd birthday and scored four points in Wednesday's 124-107 victory over the New York Knicks before departing in the second quarter with his injury. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game at halftime.

Banchero has averaged 21.7 points per game this season along with 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists over 12 contests. In 210 games (all starts) since Orlando drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2022, he has averaged 22.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists.