Paolo Banchero Set to Return for Magic Against Heat
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The Orlando Magic have cleared forward Paolo Banchero to play in Friday’s matchup with the Miami Heat, the club announced on December 5. The appearance will be his first since November 12 after missing 10 games with a left groin strain.
Banchero was listed as questionable on Thursday but was upgraded to available Friday morning. In 11 healthy games this season, the 2024 All-Star is averaging 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists across 34.7 minutes, shooting .466 from the field, .250 from three-point range and .761 at the free-throw line.
Orlando has gone 12-5 since opening the season 1-4. Guard Jalen Suggs said last week that reintegrating Banchero should be seamless: “He’ll come back into the fold and jell well with us because that’s our brother. … We’re better when he’s on the court.”
Miami, meanwhile, is expected to be without guard Tyler Herro, who is listed as doubtful due to irritation in his right big toe. He is scheduled for an MRI on Saturday. The Heat will, however, have Norman Powell back; the veteran guard was upgraded to available after missing Wednesday’s loss to Dallas with a left ankle sprain. Powell is averaging a team-high 25.0 points through 17 games.
Source: Hoops Rumors
