ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic will be without forward Paolo Banchero for the eighth consecutive game on Friday. The reigning Rookie of the Year remains out with a left groin strain, the team confirmed. His earliest possible return is now Monday in Chicago, which would push his comeback into December.
Orlando’s visit to Detroit carries added weight: the winner secures a berth in the NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinals. A loss would not eliminate the Magic, but they would need to keep the margin respectable to stay alive for the Eastern Conference wild card.
Herro picks up where he left off
MIAMI — Tyler Herro delivered 29 points, seven assists and five rebounds in 32 minutes during Wednesday’s victory over Milwaukee, two days after his season debut. The guard said he is concentrating on attacking defenses early in possessions. “I’m just trying to play off the catch, get downhill, get to my spot before the defense sets,” he told reporters. Herro added that his injured foot still lacks full strength and expects a “couple weeks” before feeling completely explosive, yet Miami already benefits from his scoring and playmaking.
Bulls could be shorthanded in Charlotte
CHICAGO — The Bulls head to Charlotte on Friday with six rotation players on the injury report. Kevin Huerter (pelvic contusion), Dalen Terry (left calf strain), Nikola Vucevic (right patellofemoral syndrome), Coby White (calf management) and Patrick Williams (left wrist sprain) are all listed as questionable. Isaac Okoro is doubtful because of left lumbar radiculopathy. Chicago, 9-8 entering the matchup, has leaned heavily on Vucevic, White and Williams, making their statuses particularly pivotal.
Tip-off in Charlotte is set for 7 p.m. ET.
Source: Hoops Wire
