Banchero Returns in Limited Role; Updates on Herro, Whitmore and LaMelo Ball
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Orlando forward Paolo Banchero logged 20 minutes Friday night in his first appearance after a 10-game absence caused by a left groin strain. The 2023 Rookie of the Year finished with nine points, six rebounds and two assists as the Magic edged the Heat by one, and he acknowledged that full conditioning will take time. “It’s going to take a couple of games,” Banchero said. “My first two shots went in, so that was a good feeling.”
The victory was Orlando’s seventh in the past 10 outings, pulling the club into a tie for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The two teams will meet again Tuesday in Miami during the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Heat: Herro Dealing With Toe Contusion
An MRI on Saturday revealed a contusion as the source of the irritation in Tyler Herro’s right big toe, the Heat confirmed. The guard missed Friday’s matchup with Orlando and was also held out of Saturday’s game against Sacramento, but the injury is not believed to be long-term. “I’m just day-by-day right now,” Herro told reporters.
Wizards: Whitmore Benched for Disciplinary Reasons
Cam Whitmore was a healthy scratch Saturday, and Washington coach Brian Keefe indicated the move was disciplinary rather than health-related. “We have certain standards for our team,” Keefe said. “He has to live up to those.” Whitmore had been listed as questionable earlier in the day with an illness.
Hornets: Ball Sidelined by Left Ankle Bone Bruise
Charlotte guard LaMelo Ball has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left ankle and will miss Sunday’s game against Denver. Ball exited Friday’s contest early because of ankle soreness and did not return.
Source: Hoops Rumors
