Hoop DossierPaolo Banchero
Orlando Magic · Forward · 6′10″ 250 lb · age 23 · Duke · 5th season
2 games this season
Availability
Next game Wed, Oct 28 at TOR. The injury report for it appears the day before.
Recent changes
- Oct 25Lineupmoved out of the starting lineup vs NYK
- Oct 24AvailabilityOut
- Oct 23AvailabilityDoubtful
Season form
2 games this seasonStarts 2 of 2 games · 1st on ORL in minutes · Core role
Situational splits: turn on Prediction tools.
What's being said
60 items · 12 sources this season- Podcast Philip Rossman-Reich (reported), via Locked On NBA · Relayed report · around the league
Paolo Banchero suffered a high ankle sprain on Friday.
“GAME NIGHT: Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams Suffers GRUESOME Injury | Luka Doncic Goes OFF! | Concern For New Y” at 20:20 · listen ↗
also reported by RotoWire, Philip Rossman-Reich of OrlandoMagicDaily.com
- Podcast Locked On Magic · 5 points ·
- Paolo Banchero left Friday's game early in the third quarter. The initial description was sore ankles. at 1:53
- Shams Charania (reported): Shams Charania said the usual prognosis for this kind of injury is four to six weeks. at 2:14
- The host expects the Magic to be without Paolo Banchero until about Thanksgiving. at 2:26
- The host expects Paolo Banchero to be back at an All-Star level in January once he regains rhythm. He thinks that is probably not enough time to make the All-Star team. at 10:16
- The host says Paolo Banchero was playing really well in the first two games. at 10:10
“BREAKTHROUGH: Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner DELIVERS in Madison Square Garden | Magic FIND identity” · listen ↗
- X Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) · Report ·
Lineup alert: Magic leaning toward starting Jase Richardson for injured Paolo Banchero on Sunday, per coach Sweeney. (via @therealBeede)
also reported by Jason Beede (@therealBeede)
- Bluesky Jason Beede (@jbeede.bsky.social) · Report ·
My latest for @orlandosentinel.com: #Magic forward Paolo Banchero said Sunday he’s “pissed off” by a right ankle injury that could keep him out “at least a month.” “You don’t want to feel sorry for yourself … I’m just upset,” he said. More from New York:
- Story CBS Sports · Article ·
Paolo Banchero is hurt again, and this Magic experiment might be cursed
- Podcast Numbers on the Board host · Analysis · around the league
A host clarified that this injury typically carries a 4-6 week timeline, meaning the 4-6 week return is not stated as a firm date. The Magic are already 0-2.
“20 Things We Have Learned So Far | Numbers On The Board” at 1:18:39 · listen ↗
- ESPN ESPN · Report ·
Banchero is expected to be sidelined for the next four-to-six weeks due to a right high-ankle sprain, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
- Story ESPN · Article ·
Sources: Magic's Banchero out multiple weeks with low-grade high ankle sprain
- Podcast Hardwood Knocks · 2 points ·
- Paolo Banchero had one of the best offensive games of his career in Orlando's opener, at one point around 30 points on about 8-of-9 shooting. He played 41 minutes. at 38:53
- The hosts buy that Orlando's offense can be league average or better (top 14 or so) but want a bigger sample before calling it top 10. One host also buys Banchero making an All-NBA team this year; the other is not buying that yet. at 40:51
“The 2026-27 NBA Overreactions Draft!” · listen ↗
- Podcast KG Certified host · Report · wording unclear in audio around the league
Jalen Johnson and Paolo Banchero went nose to nose after a game.
“Ant & LaMelo Look Dangerous, LeBron Takes On Embiid and KG Believes in Luka’s Lakers | KG CERTIFIED” at 54:13 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Magic · 3 points ·
- Paolo Banchero (reported): Paolo Banchero left a game with an ankle injury. In the locker room afterward he said he tweaked it in the first quarter and again in the third, tried to come back, wasn't feeling right, and shut himself down. at 21:01
- Host opinion: Banchero shutting himself down was the right call. at 21:15
- The host says he thought Banchero played an excellent game overall: 6-for-11, 14 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists in 26.5 minutes. He says Banchero is having a great season. at 21:17
“WARNING SIGNS: Orlando Magic struggle to PIECE team together, fall to 0-2 in opening homestand” · listen ↗
- RotoWire RotoWire · Report ·
Paolo Banchero: Exits Friday's loss early — Banchero didn't check back in during the fourth quarter of Friday's 115-93 loss to the Timberwolves after being deemed doubtful to return. He finished with 14 points (5-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-4 FT), six rebounds, five assists and one steal across 26 minutes.
also reported by Locked On Magic host
- ESPN ESPN · Report ·
Banchero (ankle) has checked back into Friday's game against the Timberwolves, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.
- X Jason Beede (@therealBeede) · Report ·
I noticed Paolo Banchero grab his right ankle a couple possessions ago after falling down. And now I don't see him on the bench after he checked out at the 8:44 mark of the third quarter.
- ESPN ESPN · Report ·
Banchero ended with 35 points (10-12 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 12-16 FT), seven rebounds, 10 assists and one steal over 41 minutes in Wednesday's 132-125 loss to Atlanta.
- X Jason Beede (@therealBeede) · Report ·
The #Magic are starting Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. against the Timberwolves tonight.
- X Jason Beede (@therealBeede) · Report ·
Here was Anthony Black (right ankle sprain) getting up some shots alongside Desmond Bane and Paolo Banchero at #Magic shootaround: Later, as the media were exiting the gym, Black was starting to play 3-on-3 with Jevon Carter, Colin Castleton, Alex Morales and some team staffers.
- Podcast Locked On Magic · 2 points ·
- The host thinks Paolo Banchero may have played one of his best career games despite six turnovers, praising his patience and aggression. He calls this possibly a stretch. at 22:11
- Paolo Banchero went 7-for-7 in the restricted area, took only one mid-range jumper, and had 10 assists and six turnovers. The host corrected himself to say only one of the turnovers came in the fourth quarter. at 22:30
“PRESSURE: Orlando Magic seeking IDENTITY after opening night loss” · listen ↗
- Podcast Zach Lowe, The Zach Lowe Show · Report · around the league
Atlanta won at Orlando. Lowe says the Magic bench without Anthony Black is "a big pile of nothing"; Black was apparently out, but no reason was given.
“Opening Night Overreactions, Alarming Trends, Hot Takes, and More!” at 32:15 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On NBA · 2 points ·
- Philip Rossman-Reich: the Hawks beat the Magic 132-125. Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit two critical threes in the final two minutes. Banchero scored 35 on 10-of-12 shooting and Franz Wagner added 22. The Magic are under new coach Sean Sweeney. at 34:43
- Gavin (inferred): on Alexander-Walker's last three, Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero were unsure whether to switch or hedge-and-recover. He thinks it should be an auto switch because they are the same size. at 36:14
“GAME NIGHT: Ant/LaMelo SHINE in Debut, Luka talks trash, Ty Jerome goes OFF” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Magic · 4 points ·
- Late in the game, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner failed to communicate a switch on a pick-and-roll between Alexander-Walker (Hawks) and Jalen Johnson. The result was a wide-open three that gave Atlanta a five-point lead with about a minute left. at 3:59
- Host analysis: being without Wagner and having to lean heavily on Paolo Banchero is 'really dangerous' for this team. at 17:50
- Paolo Banchero had six turnovers. The host says many came from telegraphed passes and Atlanta baiting him, and that overpassing hurt him. at 19:46
- The host believes the way Paolo Banchero played previews the rest of his season. He says Banchero won't shoot 10 for 12 every game and will likely not average 35. If Banchero becomes an elite finisher at the rim, the host argues it 'changes everything' and makes him an All-NBA/All-Star player. at 26:14
“QUESTIONS: Orlando Magic DEFENSE falters in season opener | What is SUSTAINABLE and CORRECTIBLE?” · listen ↗
- Podcast The Athletic NBA Daily · Opinion · around the league
Andrew thinks a coaching change was needed in Orlando, implying Sweeney is new. He suggests that having da Silva and Bane take a ton of threes could create space for Paolo.
“BIG NBA Questions: Slam N Jam LIVE!” at 12:09 · listen ↗
- Podcast Hardwood Knocks host · Report · around the league
Paolo Banchero shot well from three in preseason. A host speculates that Jamahl Mosley's successor, coach Sean Sweeney, may use him more as a roller.
“2026-27 NBA Awards Predictions AND Wild Card Picks” at 16:50 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Magic · 3 points ·
- Recap of last season: Franz Wagner was hurt most of the year and Paolo had a rough year. at 7:53
- The host says the Magic need Paolo and Franz to be All-NBA level, top 15–20 players, or the team has a ceiling. at 7:58
- The host doesn't think the Magic are considering splitting up Paolo and Franz yet; he thinks national media are jumping the gun and that the season will decide it. at 21:10
“UNCERTAINTY: Anthony Black doesn't get his extension, Orlando Magic figuring out their future” · listen ↗
- Podcast The Zach Lowe Show host · Rumor · name not confirmed around the league
A host or guest Zach thinks a dramatic Orlando move is coming, either Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner, in season or next summer, because of big long-term salaries Banchero].
“Knicks Preview, Playoff Picks, Finals Predictions, and More!” at 1:05:10 · listen ↗
- Podcast The Athletic NBA Daily · 3 points ·
- Per a host, Paolo Banchero averaged only four jump-shot attempts per game in the preseason, versus eight per game last year. The host calls it a small sample. at 3:56
- Per a host, Paolo Banchero gets to the rim at about the same rate as last year, but more often as a screener. at 4:01
- The host calls this a Suggs, Paolo and Franz Wagner availability issue. at 4:58
“Big Preseason Changes + Why Sandro Mamukelashvili signed with the Lakers” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Magic · 5 points ·
- Host says that even last year the Magic were still about a.500 team, with Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane as their lead players. at 6:20
- Locked On NBA top 100 (reported): Locked On NBA's top 100 ranked Paolo Banchero 31st and Franz Wagner 32nd. The host thinks both are ranked too low and should be in the top 30. at 15:54
- Prediction 1, assuming health: at least one of Paolo Banchero and Wagner makes the All-Star team and All-NBA. The host thinks coaches will lean toward Wagner. at 16:43
- Host prediction: Paolo Banchero will at long last have a positive net rating this season. at 20:03
- The host cautions it's preseason. at 20:53
“BOLD PREDICTIONS: Why the Orlando Magic are POISED for success this season” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Magic · 3 points ·
- Paolo (Banchero) played 26 minutes. The host predicts he will play six to eight more minutes per game in the regular season. at 12:59
- New actions: Wagner runs dribble handoffs to Paolo Banchero going downhill, and the team runs Spain pick-and-rolls with Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane, one popping to the three-point line. at 14:53
- The host thinks Paolo (Banchero) is in a better place than last year. at 14:25
“PRESEASON FINALE: Orlando Magic SHOW potential and pitfalls in WIN over Miami Heat” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Magic · 3 points ·
- Philip Rossman-Reich: Suggs has not yet been seen alongside Paolo Banchero. at 7:36
- Philip Rossman-Reich: The host suspects a Suggs and Paolo Banchero pairing is what the Magic will want to use. at 7:36
- Philip Rossman-Reich: The host wants Paolo's minutes raised into the upper 20s and a three-quarter 'dress rehearsal' of the real rotation in the preseason finale. at 8:01
“LAST CHANCE: What is left to LEARN for the Orlando Magic in their last preseason game?” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Magic · 5 points ·
- The host said the thesis of the Magic's offseason was that the starting lineup of Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr is one of the league's best. at 2:49
- Sean Sweeney (reported): Asked by the host how Banchero was doing, Sean Sweeney said Banchero's role is to be an offensive engine. Sweeney said his success is judged by how the team operates, not necessarily by his scoring. The host agreed. at 15:38
- Banchero started the preseason shooting 3-for-17. The host said he keeps the ball moving but his mid-range shots aren't falling. at 14:23
- Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner scored the Magic's first 17 points. Orlando led 17-9 at the first media timeout. at 16:29
- Orlando's starters played into the third quarter for the first time this preseason. Paolo Banchero and Wagner both played into the second half for the first time. at 6:37
“WHOLE AGAIN: Orlando Magic dominate as Jalen Suggs' return brings Picture into FOCUS” · listen ↗
Podcast items are our short summaries of what was said, credited to who said it; posts and stories link to the original. Opinions and rumors are labelled as such and are not checked facts.
Game log
● = started2026-27 season
| Date | Opp | Min | Pts | Reb | Ast | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23 | MIN L | 26 min | 14 pts | 6 reb | 5 ast | 0 3PM |
| Oct 21 | ATL L | 41 min | 35 pts | 7 reb | 10 ast | 3 3PM |
2025-26 season (last season) · 81 games
| Date | Opp | Min | Pts | Reb | Ast | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3 | @DET L | 42 min | 38 pts | 9 reb | 6 ast | 4 3PM |
| May 1 | DET L | 41 min | 17 pts | 10 reb | 6 ast | 0 3PM |
| Apr 29 | @DET L | 41 min | 45 pts | 9 reb | 7 ast | 6 3PM |
| Apr 27 | DET W | 40 min | 18 pts | 8 reb | 4 ast | 0 3PM |
| Apr 25 | DET W | 38 min | 25 pts | 12 reb | 9 ast | 2 3PM |
| Apr 22 | @DET L | 34 min | 18 pts | 6 reb | 8 ast | 0 3PM |
| Apr 19 | @DET W | 37 min | 23 pts | 9 reb | 4 ast | 2 3PM |
| Apr 17 | CHA W | 33 min | 25 pts | 5 reb | 6 ast | 2 3PM |
| Apr 15 | @PHI L | 36 min | 18 pts | 5 reb | 4 ast | 0 3PM |
| Apr 12 | @BOS L | 38 min | 23 pts | 10 reb | 11 ast | 0 3PM |
| Apr 10 | @CHI W | 27 min | 14 pts | 9 reb | 7 ast | 1 3PM |
| Apr 8 | MIN W | 29 min | 20 pts | 8 reb | 6 ast | 1 3PM |
| Apr 6 | DET W | 38 min | 31 pts | 5 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Apr 5 | @NOP W | 38 min | 23 pts | 16 reb | 6 ast | 0 3PM |
| Apr 3 | @DAL W | 31 min | 10 pts | 7 reb | 5 ast | 1 3PM |
| Apr 1 | ATL L | 26 min | 11 pts | 8 reb | 3 ast | 0 3PM |
| Mar 31 | PHX W | 37 min | 19 pts | 9 reb | 8 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 29 | @TOR L | 30 min | 9 pts | 5 reb | 3 ast | 0 3PM |
| Mar 26 | SAC W | 38 min | 30 pts | 9 reb | 7 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 24 | @CLE L | 40 min | 36 pts | 6 reb | 5 ast | 3 3PM |
| Mar 23 | IND L | 37 min | 39 pts | 4 reb | 6 ast | 4 3PM |
| Mar 21 | LAL L | 36 min | 16 pts | 5 reb | 6 ast | 0 3PM |
| Mar 19 | @CHA L | 28 min | 20 pts | 3 reb | 7 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 17 | OKC L | 36 min | 32 pts | 10 reb | 5 ast | 3 3PM |
| Mar 16 | @ATL L | 33 min | 18 pts | 10 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 14 | @MIA W | 37 min | 27 pts | 8 reb | 7 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 12 | WAS W | 42 min | 18 pts | 10 reb | 5 ast | 0 3PM |
| Mar 11 | CLE W | 37 min | 25 pts | 8 reb | 7 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 8 | @MIL W | 29 min | 33 pts | 5 reb | 3 ast | 3 3PM |
| Mar 7 | @MIN W | 35 min | 25 pts | 15 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 5 | DAL W | 36 min | 16 pts | 12 reb | 6 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 3 | WAS W | 32 min | 37 pts | 5 reb | 6 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 1 | DET L | 38 min | 24 pts | 11 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Feb 26 | HOU L | 37 min | 19 pts | 8 reb | 9 ast | 0 3PM |
| Feb 24 | @LAL W | 38 min | 36 pts | 10 reb | 6 ast | 2 3PM |
| Feb 22 | @LAC W | 37 min | 16 pts | 7 reb | 8 ast | 0 3PM |
| Feb 21 | @PHX L | 47 min | 26 pts | 14 reb | 8 ast | 0 3PM |
| Feb 19 | @SAC W | 32 min | 30 pts | 5 reb | 6 ast | 5 3PM |
| Feb 11 | MIL L | 39 min | 17 pts | 4 reb | 2 ast | 2 3PM |
| Feb 9 | MIL W | 33 min | 11 pts | 9 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Feb 7 | UTA W | 38 min | 23 pts | 7 reb | 8 ast | 2 3PM |
| Feb 5 | BKN W | 31 min | 22 pts | 5 reb | 4 ast | 0 3PM |
| Feb 3 | @OKC L | 33 min | 17 pts | 3 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Feb 1 | @SAS L | 35 min | 19 pts | 10 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 30 | TOR W | 41 min | 20 pts | 9 reb | 6 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 28 | @MIA W | 38 min | 31 pts | 12 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 26 | @CLE L | 40 min | 37 pts | 10 reb | 4 ast | 2 3PM |
| Jan 24 | CLE L | 38 min | 27 pts | 5 reb | 2 ast | 3 3PM |
| Jan 22 | CHA L | 30 min | 23 pts | 7 reb | 5 ast | 2 3PM |
| Jan 18 | @MEM L | 36 min | 16 pts | 8 reb | 9 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 15 | MEM W | 37 min | 26 pts | 13 reb | 4 ast | 4 3PM |
| Jan 11 | NOP W | 39 min | 23 pts | 8 reb | 8 ast | 0 3PM |
| Jan 9 | PHI L | 37 min | 14 pts | 11 reb | 7 ast | 0 3PM |
| Jan 7 | @BKN W | 43 min | 30 pts | 14 reb | 6 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 6 | @WAS L | 25 min | 14 pts | 4 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 4 | IND W | 36 min | 28 pts | 12 reb | 5 ast | 3 3PM |
| Jan 2 | @CHI L | 35 min | 31 pts | 6 reb | 6 ast | 2 3PM |
| Dec 31 | @IND W | 35 min | 29 pts | 10 reb | 4 ast | 0 3PM |
| Dec 29 | @TOR L | 38 min | 23 pts | 15 reb | 10 ast | 2 3PM |
| Dec 27 | DEN W | 36 min | 12 pts | 6 reb | 6 ast | 0 3PM |
| Dec 26 | CHA L | 31 min | 13 pts | 5 reb | 2 ast | 0 3PM |
| Dec 23 | @POR W | 36 min | 12 pts | 6 reb | 3 ast | 0 3PM |
| Dec 22 | @GSW L | 34 min | 21 pts | 12 reb | 7 ast | 0 3PM |
| Dec 20 | @UTA W | 42 min | 23 pts | 9 reb | 9 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 18 | @DEN L | 39 min | 26 pts | 16 reb | 10 ast | 0 3PM |
| Dec 13 | NYK L | 35 min | 25 pts | 8 reb | 3 ast | 0 3PM |
| Dec 9 | MIA W | 32 min | 18 pts | 7 reb | 4 ast | 2 3PM |
| Dec 7 | @NYK L | 24 min | 16 pts | 1 reb | 2 ast | 3 3PM |
| Dec 5 | MIA W | 20 min | 9 pts | 6 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 12 | @NYK W | 12 min | 4 pts | 4 reb | 2 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 10 | POR W | 35 min | 28 pts | 9 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 9 | BOS L | 35 min | 28 pts | 6 reb | 4 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 7 | BOS W | 36 min | 15 pts | 9 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 4 | @ATL L | 37 min | 22 pts | 11 reb | 8 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 1 | @WAS W | 26 min | 28 pts | 11 reb | 4 ast | 3 3PM |
| Oct 30 | @CHA W | 33 min | 20 pts | 9 reb | 9 ast | 2 3PM |
| Oct 29 | @DET L | 35 min | 24 pts | 11 reb | 7 ast | 0 3PM |
| Oct 27 | @PHI L | 38 min | 32 pts | 7 reb | 5 ast | 1 3PM |
| Oct 25 | CHI L | 36 min | 24 pts | 10 reb | 1 ast | 1 3PM |
| Oct 24 | ATL L | 36 min | 11 pts | 6 reb | 1 ast | 0 3PM |
| Oct 22 | MIA W | 35 min | 24 pts | 11 reb | 1 ast | 1 3PM |
How his numbers change by situation, with four seasons of history →
Predictions about him
how calls are trackedMissed 3 · Waiting 2
- Waiting Philip Rossman-Reich: Banchero will not average 35 points per game this season.
2026-10-22 · Podcast · by 2027-04-12 Flag - Waiting Philip Rossman-Reich: Paolo Banchero will average about 20 points per game this season.
2026-10-13 · Podcast · by 2027-04-12 Flag - Missed Marc Stein: Paolo Banchero: reported out source
2026-10-24 · X · for vs MIN, 2026-10-23 · result: started, 26 min Flag - Missed Jason Beede: Paolo Banchero: reported out source
2026-10-24 · Bluesky · for vs MIN, 2026-10-23 · result: started, 26 min Flag - Missed Underdog NBA: Paolo Banchero: reported out source
2026-10-24 · X · for vs MIN, 2026-10-23 · result: started, 26 min Flag