Paolo Banchero has played in every game for the Orlando Magic so far this season, but that streak is about to come to an end.
Paolo Banchero won't play vs. Nets due to groin strain
The fourth-year forward has officially been ruled out of Orlando’s NBA Cup game against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night due to a groin strain that he suffered against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. The Magic were able to pull out a 124-107 victory over the Knicks in the game, but Bancerho's injury put a damper on things. Luckily, the injury doesn't seem too severe.
Banchero's status beyond the game against the Nets is fluid. He'll be evaluated on a daily basis moving forward. After the game against the Nets, the Magic travel to Houston to face the Rockets on Sunday night and then return home to host the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
In his 12 appearances so far this season, Banchero is averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per performance. He's leading Orlando is points and rebounds per game. His production will be obviously be missed during his stay on the sideline.
The game on Friday night is the second NBA Cup game of the season for both Orlando and Brooklyn. The Magic won their first cup contest over the Boston Celtics, while the Nets suffered a defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat in their first cup game.