Magic Outline Plan for Paolo Banchero’s Return From Groin Injury

The Orlando Magic are navigating one of their most productive stretches of the season while awaiting the return of their leading scorer. On Tuesday night, the team delivered a commanding 144–103 NBA Cup victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, pushing its tournament record to 3–0 and underscoring the momentum that has carried Orlando up the Eastern Conference standings.

Head coach Jamahl Mosley used the postgame setting to outline how the Magic plan to reintroduce Paolo Banchero once cleared, offering the clearest picture yet of where the 23-year-old stands in his recovery. Banchero has remained active behind the scenes during his absence, engaging with the team’s defensive adjustments and transition principles — areas Mosley believes will ease his path back into rhythm.

The former No. 1 pick suffered a groin injury on Nov. 12 against the New York Knicks, a setback that prompted a multiweek recovery process. Yet Orlando has not stumbled in his absence, improving from 6–6 to 11–8 while keeping pace with Atlanta for sixth place in the East. Banchero’s own comments earlier in the week suggested he is nearing the final stages of his rehab.

As the Magic continue their most explosive offensive run of the season, the challenge now is sustaining cohesion until their franchise cornerstone is ready to return.

1. Banchero Nearing Clearance

Mosley emphasized that Banchero has stayed deeply involved during his recovery, studying the team’s defensive habits and helping reinforce the approach that has fueled Orlando’s uptick. The coaching staff believes that defensive stops and transition pace will create natural scoring opportunities for Banchero when he reenters the rotation. Banchero expressed optimism earlier this week, noting that his movement work has progressed and that the injury has responded well to treatment. While he avoided setting a firm return date, his comments indicated he feels “pretty close,” suggesting he could rejoin the lineup in the near future. Before going down, Banchero was averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 12 games while shooting just over 46 percent. His scoring, playmaking, and physicality remain central to Orlando’s offensive blueprint, and the team has lacked a true downhill creator since he went out. The Magic recognize, however, that reintegration will require balance. With the team playing its best offensive basketball of the season, Banchero will be returning to a roster that is now spacing the floor better, moving the ball quicker, and finding early offense in ways that complement his strengths.

2. Magic Offense Surges in Banchero’s Absence

Orlando entered the season near the bottom of the league in key shooting categories, but its scoring output has spiked dramatically since Banchero’s injury. The team has jumped from 119.6 points per game to 124.9 over the last seven contests, ranking second in the NBA during that stretch. Their three-point production has also climbed, both in volume and efficiency. The Magic’s improved ball movement has helped unlock cleaner looks across the roster. Their uptick in long-range accuracy — rising to 38.5 percent during this run — has forced defenses to extend further from the paint, opening more lanes for cutters and drivers. One of the biggest boosts came in Tuesday’s win over Philadelphia, when second-year guard Anthony Black poured in a career-high 31 points while shooting 12-for-17 from the field. His breakout night highlighted the depth Mosley believes will benefit the team when Banchero returns. Mosley attributed the offensive surge to disciplined defense, which generated transition opportunities and created flow on the other end. The team recorded 38 assists in the win, continuing a trend of unselfish play that has defined this stretch.

3. Sustaining Two-Way Identity Ahead of Banchero’s Return

As Banchero closes in on a return, the Magic are attempting to preserve the formula that fueled their recent climb — a commitment to pressure defense paired with decisive, rapid-fire ball movement. Mosley noted that the team’s two-way discipline has allowed players to settle into roles and build confidence. The offensive rhythm has also shown Orlando’s ability to thrive when multiple players contribute. That balance will be essential once Banchero reintegrates, ensuring that the scoring load is not overly centralized and that spacing continues to improve around him. Defensively, the Magic have leaned on their athleticism and length to force turnovers, an area that requires full buy-in from every position. Banchero has been vocal about the team’s defensive progress during his time on the sideline and is expected to rejoin a unit that has grown more connected in his absence. Orlando will close its road trip Friday with an NBA Cup matchup against the 15–2 Detroit Pistons before returning home to face the Chicago Bulls. With Banchero reportedly “pretty close,” the team’s next phase may begin soon.