Orlando Magic superstar Paolo Banchero caused a bit of a stir on social media Tuesday by saying that “the wait is almost over,” presumably referring to his impending return from a torn right oblique.
The wait could finally end Thursday, when the Magic begin a three-game homestand against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Banchero was reportedly given the green light on Wednesday to return to the court for the first time since Oct. 30. If he doesn’t play Thursday, he could instead suit up for Friday’s home game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The third-year forward was listed as questionable to return on Monday for Orlando’s game against the New York Knicks, however he was ruled out in a game-time decision.
Banchero wasn’t alone in sitting out, as the Magic overcame the absences of Jalen Suggs (back), Franz Wagner (oblique) and Moe Wagner (season-ending ACL injury) in a 103-94 victory over the Knicks.
“I can’t say it enough — it is who we are,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said. “The ânext man up’ mentality, the âby committee mentality.’ Not making excuses for anything and any situation is what this group is all about. I’m so proud of this group for continuing to battle, continuing to fight.”
Cole Anthony scored 24 points while making the start in place of Suggs. Wendell Carter Jr. had a season-high 19 points off the bench for the Magic, who shot 50 percent from the floor to record their third win in five games.
“We believe we have enough,” said Anthony Black, who had nine points and five assists in his return from a four-game absence due to a back injury.
“I remember our first game in Miami (on Oct. 23). We played a really good game, got a really good ‘W’. But I remember sitting on the bench talking to one of the assistants, saying like, ‘Yo, this team is scary. We really can roll out any five and compete.’ The proof is in the pudding now.”
The Timberwolves answered a three-game losing skid by recording a 108-106 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday and a 104-97 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans the following night.
Anthony Edwards continued his torrid run, following up a 53-point performance in a 119-105 setback at Detroit on Saturday with 37- and 32-point efforts. The 122 points and 23 3-pointers served as franchise records for a three-game span.
While the offensive numbers were nice, Rudy Gobert made his presence known on the defensive end with 14 rebounds and six blocks against the Pelicans. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year had three blocks in the fourth quarter alone.
“I try to set the tone for the team, and the team needs me to be the best in the world on that end for us to be who we want to be,” Gobert said, per the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Julius Randle also stepped up with 16 points and was a plus-21 while spending considerable time guarding the returning Zion Williamson.
“Listen, I got a lot of respect, admiration for Julius,” Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said. “His shot attempts overall are down from where he was in New York. His numbers have been in line with them, too, so he’s having a bit more of an efficient season for us. We’ve asked him to do different things at different times as our team ebbed and flowed.
“… I’m always conscious of what we’re asking him and maybe he’s not able to settle into his own rhythm sometimes. But he’s been a trooper.”
