Suffering from side strain, Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero sidelined 'indefinitely'

All-Star forward to be reevaluated in 4 to 6 weeks after being injured during Wednesday NBA game versus Chicago Bulls

By Can Erozden

Diagnosed with a torn right oblique or abdominal side strain, Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero has been sidelined indefinitely, the NBA franchise said on Thursday.

Jeff Weltman, the Magic’s president of basketball operations, said that Banchero, 21, will be out of action.

"He will be reevaluated in four to six weeks," Weltman added.

The All-Star forward was injured during the fourth quarter of a Wednesday NBA game versus the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls beat the Magic 102-99 at Chicago's United Center, with Banchero scoring 31 points for the visitors.

A few days ago before his muscle injury, Banchero racked up a career-high 50 points on Oct. 28 against the Indiana Pacers to help the Magic win the game 119-115 in Orlando.

This season he played in five NBA matches to average 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.

Banchero, the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, was previously named the 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year.

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