Magic rookie Paolo Banchero practiced Saturday after missing 2 games
Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero practiced on Saturday after missing the last two games due to sprained left ankle, head coach Jamahl Mosley said.
Banchero suffered the injury in a loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday. He appeared to land awkwardly on the foot after driving to the rim and drawing contact late in the fourth quarter. He managed to finish the game after the incident.
The No. 1 pick was held out of the lineup on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks and again on Friday versus the Phoenix Suns. He was still experiencing soreness with the ankle but was a full participant in practice on Saturday.
“He went through all of the drills we put forth for him,” Mosley said.
The Magic are often very cautious with injuries and don’t put timetables on players to return. The injury to Banchero is not considered to be serious. He will remain day-to-day and will be a game-time decision on Monday versus the Charlotte Hornets.
Banchero produced his second straight 30-point game versus the Rockets, finishing with 30 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. He became the third rookie in team history to record consecutive 30-point games (Shaquille O’Neal, Dennis Scott).
The 19-year-old is averaging 23.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 11 games this season. He has scored at least 20 points in nine of his 11 games and leads the rookie class in class in scoring. He is 22nd among all players in that category.
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