Paolo Banchero

Paolo Banchero flirted with a double-double for the Magic Saturday night, grabbing eight rebounds and scoring 25 points (10-22 FG, 0-7 3PT, 5-6 FT) while also recording one steal and dishing out three assists in a 132-120 loss to the Knicks.

Fantasy Impact

Banchero continues a modest stretch on the offensive end of the floor since returning from injury, finishing with nine or more points in each of his last four games. The forward continues to offer fantasy managers an impactful option as part of a high-powered Orlando starting five, averaging 20.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while posting a usage rate of 27.1% so far this season.

In Paolo Banchero’s second game back from a groin injury, he played 24 minutes and finished with 16 points (4-for-11 FG, 3-for-6 3PT, 5-for-6 FT), one rebound and two assists in Sunday’s 106-100 loss to the New York Knicks.

Fantasy Impact

While Banchero hasn’t produced the numbers fantasy managers are used to in his first two games back, averaging 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and two assists, patience is warranted, as groin injuries can be tricky and the Orlando Magic are easing him back into action. With Franz Wagner suffering a leg injury on Sunday and his status unclear for Tuesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Miami Heat, Banchero could be in line for heavy usage.

Paolo Banchero (groin) is off of the injury report for Sunday night's game against the New York Knicks.

Fantasy Impact

Banchero previously missed a lot of time due to a groin injury, but he was able to make his return to the lineup on Friday and is now off of the injury report ahead of Sunday night's game. He was limited to just 20 minutes of action in his first game back, so his fantasy ceiling may continue to be a bit limited for the foreseeable future.

Paolo Banchero (groin) has been upgraded to questionable for Friday night's game against the Miami Heat.

Fantasy Impact

Banchero has been out for ten-straight games due to a groin injury, but he seems to be nearing a return for Orlando and has been upgraded to questionable for Friday night's game. He may be on a minutes limit if he's cleared to play, but fantasy managers should continue to view him as a high-end fantasy option whenever he's back on the court for Orlando.

Paolo Banchero (groin) will not play Saturday.

Fantasy Impact

Banchero will miss a fifth straight game, as he continues to nurse a strained groin muscle. The Magic will be on the first day of a back-to-back Saturday, as the team will visit Boston on Sunday. Tristan Da Silva has been starting in Banchero's place.