Paolo Banchero looks set to finally make his return to the court this week and he could start as soon as tonight.

The Orlando Magic could see Paolo Banchero return against the Minnesota Timberwolves as his status is upgraded to questionable.

After the Magic fell to the Timberwolves by 15 points on Thursday night, Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said his team “didn’t have the energy needed” to win against Minnesota. There might not have been anything better to give Orlando a much-needed boost of energy Friday night vs.

Magic All-Star Paolo Banchero hinted at his return on social media ahead of Friday’s game vs. Bucks at Kia Center. “To stay where they are, given what they’ve had to endure, is

Having Banchero back in the mix gives the Magic offense a whole new set of weapons. And if he’s able to return to the form he evidenced in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign, then he should be able to keep the Magic as one of the best teams in the East as the regular season rapidly approaches its mid-point.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero will not play in Thursday’s game against Timberwolves after being listed as questionable earlier in the day, a potential sign of his return to the lineup for the first time since Oct. 30.

Orlando Magic star forward Paolo Banchero is expected to return to action in one of Orlando's back-to-back home games Thursday against

Banchero has missed the Magic's last 33 games, and he will reportedly miss a 34th on when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. On the official injury report, he is still listed as "questionable" for that game, as of Thursday afternoon.

Injured Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, right, gives instructions to guard Anthony Black (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Paolo Banchero will play on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Orlando Magic announced. Banchero has not seen game action since tearing his oblique in October. He missed 34 games due to the injury.

Paolo Banchero hints at his return from injury with a social media post, sparking optimism for the Orlando Magic's season.

The Orlando Magic (22-16) are set to open a three-game homestand on Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves (19-17). ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Wednesday that Paolo Banchero ...