CLEVELAND — The Orlando Magic faced a tough blow just before their game on Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, as they were already without All-Star forward Paolo Banchero due to an injury. Just moments prior to the matchup, starting center Wendell Carter Jr. was ruled out due to tendinitis in his right knee. This unexpected development led to Moe Wagner getting the opportunity to start in Carter’s position for the first time this season.
Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley did not provide any details concerning Carter’s injury during his pregame press conference. Carter, who has been a significant contributor to the Magic this season, is currently averaging a team-best 10.4 rebounds and 8.8 points. Meanwhile, Banchero is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of one month due to a torn right oblique suffered during a game against the Chicago Bulls earlier in the week.
The absence of Banchero has dampened the anticipation for the game against Cleveland, which serves as a rematch from last season’s Eastern Conference first-round series—one that the Cavaliers won in a thrilling seven-game stretch. Banchero, the top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, had been enjoying a stellar season prior to his injury, posting impressive stats of 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His performance peaked on Monday when he scored a career-high 50 points against Indiana, standing as the only 50-point game recorded in the NBA this season.
Leading up to their game against the Cavaliers, Mosley emphasized the need for all players on the roster to elevate their game in the absence of Banchero. “It’s never easy without Paolo on the court; that’s the reality,” Mosley remarked candidly.
The Magic are set to evaluate Banchero’s condition in four to six weeks. He remains on the team’s travel roster as he continues his rehabilitation process. Banchero himself was uncertain about the exact circumstances that led to his injury but continued to play through the discomfort, finishing with 31 points in the last game, a closely contested 102-99 loss.