Paolo Banchero Diagnosed With High Ankle Sprain as Magic Brace for Multi-Week Absence

Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is expected to miss time after an MRI confirmed a low-grade right high ankle sprain, the team announced Saturday. Banchero suffered the injury during Friday’s loss to Minnesota, initially feeling discomfort in the first quarter before continuing to play through the third. Orlando has not announced an official return timetable and said he will undergo further testing and evaluation.

The diagnosis is a significant early-season blow for a Magic team already searching for its first win. Banchero opened the season with 35 points and 10 assists against Atlanta and is averaging 24.5 points, 7.5 assists and 6.5 rebounds through two games. Orlando now begins a difficult road stretch without its primary offensive engine, putting more responsibility on Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane and the rest of the rotation.

The key distinction is that Orlando has confirmed the high ankle sprain but has not formally said Banchero will miss four to six weeks. That range has been cited as a possible recovery window for this type of injury, but the Magic are still evaluating him. For now, the bigger story is how Orlando handles an extended stretch without the player around whom its offense is built.