Paolo Banchero diagnosed with high ankle sprain

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has been diagnosed with a low-grade high right ankle sprain following an MRI. The injury occurred during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Banchero initially felt discomfort in the first quarter before eventually exiting the game in the third.

While the Orlando Magic have not released an official timeline for his return, the injury is expected to sideline the 23-year-old for multiple weeks. Reports from ESPN indicate that high ankle sprains of this nature typically result in an absence of four to six weeks.

Banchero, the 2022 first overall draft pick, had started the season strongly, averaging 24.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game. The Magic, currently 0-2 for the season, will need to rely on players such as Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs to fill the offensive void during his absence.