Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero left Wednesday’s game against the New York Knicks with a left groin strain and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest, the team announced.
He left the game early in the second quarter.
He had four points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in 12 minutes before exiting.
Injuries were a major storyline for Banchero last season, as he missed 36 games last season, primarily due to a torn right oblique muscle. The Magic still managed to go 41-41 and reached the postseason, though they were eliminated in the first round against the Boston Celtics.
It was the team’s second straight season reaching the playoffs, however, and expectations were high ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, especially after the offseason acquisition of guard Desmond Bane.
The Magic haven’t exactly hit the ground running, starting the year just 5-6. The 23-year-old Banchero has been solid, averaging 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 46.6 percent from the field but just 25 percent from three.
If Banchero’s injury is serious and he’s forced to miss time, players like Jonathan Isaac and Tristan da Silva will be called upon to play a bigger role. The Magic will obviously be hoping Banchero’s groin strain is mild, however.
