Paolo Banchero Diagnosed with Groin Strain, Out for Friday's Game and Day-to-Day

Orlando Magic star forward Paolo Banchero has been diagnosed with a left groin strain and will miss at least one game, starting with Friday's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Banchero suffered the injury during the first half of Wednesday night's win over the New York Knicks, with an MRI on Thursday confirming the strain. He is considered day-to-day and will continue to be evaluated, with his return depending on his response to treatment. Fantasy managers should consider him questionable for Sunday's game against the Rockets. This season, the 23-year-old forward is averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks. His absence is expected to increase usage for Franz Wagner, and the Magic may lean more on Tristan da Silva and Jonathan Isaac. Banchero signed a five-year maximum rookie extension in July 2025.