NBA Notes: Magic, Paolo Banchero, Knicks, Jalen Brunson, Sixers

Magic

An MRI confirmed what the Magic hoped to hear. Paolo Banchero is dealing with a left groin strain, not something more serious, per Shams Charania of ESPN.

He’s out Friday against Brooklyn and will be evaluated daily, which points to a shorter-term absence.

Banchero hurt the groin Wednesday in New York after trying to accelerate in transition. He told The Athletic’s Fred Katz he felt it immediately and asked out before making things worse.

“I felt it right away,” Banchero said. “Did a couple more trips and it was still there. I didn’t want to risk further injury.”

He noted this feels nothing like last year’s oblique tear that sidelined him two-plus months. He can move, he’s not in that level of pain, and trainers told him he wouldn’t be doing anything if it were torn. All encouraging signs.

Banchero has started all 12 games this season and entered Wednesday averaging 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

Jonathan Isaac opened the second half in his spot, and he along with Tristan Da Silva should see more minutes if Orlando’s star misses more time.

The win in New York pulled the Magic back to .500 at 6-6 after a 1-4 start.

Knicks

The Knicks got relatively good news on Jalen Brunson. The star guard has a Grade 1 ankle sprain and will miss Friday’s matchup with Miami, per SNY’s Ian Begley.

He’ll be evaluated daily, meaning New York doesn’t expect a long layoff.

Brunson injured the ankle in the final two minutes of a blowout loss to Orlando, landing awkwardly as he elevated for a shot. He needed a boot and crutches afterward, as relayed by The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy.

It’s the same ankle that cost him nearly a month late last season. Bondy also pointed out the optics: head coach Mike Brown said during camp that he’d pull starters early to avoid unnecessary injuries. The Knicks were down 16 when Brunson got hurt.

Brunson has been durable since arriving in New York, logging at least 65 games each year.

76ers

After nearly 11 months off due to knee and thumb issues, Jared McCain hasn’t looked like himself. The second-year guard is scoreless through his first three games back — 0-for-9 in just 31 total minutes.

The Sixers want to get him real reps again. As relayed by Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports, they assigned McCain to the G League so he can play for the Delaware Blue Coats tonight and Saturday before returning to the NBA.

“I just really want him to get some trips up and down the court,” head coach Nick Nurse said. “Get him some conditioning. Three really short stints in 11 months… this gives him a couple chances to have longer runs.”

Meanwhile, Dominick Barlow — out since October 25 with a right elbow injury — has been cleared to return, Nurse told reporters.

Barlow started the first two games of the season, though Trendon Watford has been handling the power forward role lately.