Magic’s Banchero out with groin strain; Knicks rule out Brunson; 76ers assign McCain to G League
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Orlando, New York and Philadelphia — Three Eastern Conference clubs issued injury updates Thursday, reshuffling their depth charts ahead of the weekend slate.
Magic: Banchero diagnosed with groin strain
An MRI performed Thursday confirmed forward Paolo Banchero has a left groin strain, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The reigning Rookie of the Year will sit out Friday’s game against the Nets in Brooklyn and will be evaluated daily, indicating a short-term absence.
Banchero sustained the injury Wednesday at Madison Square Garden when he tried to accelerate in transition. “I felt it right away,” he told The Athletic. After two more trips up the floor, he requested a substitution to avoid worsening the strain.
The 21-year-old said the discomfort is nothing like last season’s oblique tear that sidelined him more than two months. He has started all 12 games this year, averaging 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists. If he misses additional time, Jonathan Isaac and rookie Tristan Da Silva are expected to absorb extra minutes. Orlando’s victory in New York evened its record at 6-6 after a 1-4 start.
Knicks: Brunson has Grade 1 ankle sprain
Jalen Brunson will not play Friday against Miami after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 sprain of his left ankle, SNY’s Ian Begley reported. The guard will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, suggesting the Knicks do not anticipate an extended layoff.
Brunson rolled the same ankle that cost him nearly a month last season when he landed awkwardly during the final two minutes of Monday’s blowout loss to Orlando. He left the arena in a walking boot and on crutches, per the New York Post. Head coach Mike Brown had said during training camp he would pull starters early to avoid injuries; New York trailed by 16 when Brunson went down. Since signing with the Knicks, the 27-year-old has appeared in at least 65 games each season.
76ers: McCain heads to Delaware; Barlow cleared
After going scoreless on 0-for-9 shooting in his first three games following an 11-month absence for knee and thumb problems, second-year guard Jared McCain has been assigned to the G League’s Delaware Blue Coats for contests Friday and Saturday, coach Nick Nurse told reporters. “I just really want him to get some trips up and down the court … and conditioning,” Nurse said.
Forward Dominick Barlow, sidelined since Oct. 25 with a right elbow injury, has been cleared to return. He started Philadelphia’s first two games before the job shifted to Trendon Watford.
Source: Hoops Wire
