Paolo Banchero’s return from injury can influence the Orlando Magic’s trade deadline plans, potentially impacting key roster decisions.

Paolo Banchero made his highly anticipated return on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks with a special Undertaker-themed entrance video. The 22-year-old was put on the sidelines because of an oblique injury.

Paolo Banchero is not a patient person. The Orlando Magic forward acknowledges that he's been frustrated for much of the last 2½ months while recovering from a torn oblique muscle, one that kept him out of the lineup for 34 games.

Paolo Banchero hints at his return from injury with a social media post, sparking optimism for the Orlando Magic's season.

In his first NBA season, Paolo Banchero was named Kia Rookie of the Year. In his second NBA season, he earned an All-Star selection while leading the Magic to their first Playoff appearance since 2019-20.

Paolo Banchero will play on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Orlando Magic announced. Banchero has not seen game action since tearing his oblique in October. He missed 34 games due to the injury.

Paolo Banchero is not a patient person ... Franz Wagner's torn oblique and Moritz Wagner's season-ending torn ACL among them — entered Friday in the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference.

Having Banchero back in the mix gives the Magic offense a whole new set of weapons. And if he’s able to return to the form he evidenced in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign, then he should be able to keep the Magic as one of the best teams in the East as the regular season rapidly approaches its mid-point.

Orlando heads to Milwaukee for an Eastern Conference matchup Wednesday. The teams meet Wednesday for the first time this season.

Injured Orlando Magic All-Star Paolo Banchero is expected to return to the court this week, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.

Paolo Banchero missed 34 games ... Franz Wagner's torn oblique and Moritz Wagner's season-ending torn ACL among them — entered Friday in the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference.