Magic’s Banchero, Knicks’ Anunoby Listed as Questionable for Friday Return
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Two Eastern Conference contenders may regain key starters on Friday. The Orlando Magic have upgraded forward Paolo Banchero to questionable for their home game against the Miami Heat, while the New York Knicks have given the same designation to forward OG Anunoby ahead of their meeting with the Utah Jazz.
Banchero nearing comeback
Banchero, the No. 1 pick in the 2022 draft, has sat out Orlando’s last 10 contests with a left groin strain. Head coach Jamahl Mosley said after Wednesday’s shootaround that the 23-year-old was still limited to non-contact work, but the club upgraded his status less than two days later.
“We always see how he responds each day and how he recovers the next day after treatments and workouts,” Mosley said earlier in the week.
Orlando is 7-3 during Banchero’s absence and stands at 13-9 overall. The 2024 All-Star appeared in only 46 games last season after playing 80 the previous year. He signed a maximum-salary rookie extension in July that could increase if he earns an All-NBA selection—an award for which he must log at least 65 games.
Anunoby progressing in New York
Anunoby has missed nine straight outings with a strained left hamstring but participated in controlled contact drills and 3-on-3 scrimmages over the weekend. Head coach Mike Brown said Wednesday the 28-year-old handled full contact without issue.
“He’s progressing in the right direction,” Brown noted.
Before the injury, Anunoby averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.1 steals across 11 games (33.5 minutes), shooting 48.3% from the field and 39.7% from three. New York sits at 14-7 and has gone 6-3 while he has been sidelined.
Source: Hoops Rumors
