NBA
Why aren’t Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner playing for Magic against Bucks in the NBA Cup game today, Dec. 10?
Orlando is 17-9 in the Eastern Conference as the players, minus some key figures, take to the court against Milwaukee.
If you were aiming on tuning in hoping to see Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner on the court tonight for the Orlando Magic, you’re out of luck. Both stars are sidelined, forcing the Magic to face the Milwaukee Bucks without two important players. But what’s the story behind their absence?
What happened to Paolo Banchero?
For Banchero, it’s all about an oblique injury – a torn right oblique, to be exact – that’s kept him out of action for over five weeks. The All-Star forward suffered the injury in late October during a tight loss to the Chicago Bulls. Initially dismissed as minor discomfort, further testing confirmed the worst: a significant tear requiring a lengthy recovery.
This couldn’t have come at a worse time for Banchero. He was off to a scorching start to the season, averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists across his first five games—career-best numbers. The third-year phenom looked primed to build on his Rookie of the Year and All-Star accolades, possibly even gunning for All-NBA honors. Instead, the injury has taken him out of the spotlight and, likely, out of contention for end-of-season awards.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley, keeping it cautious, says there’s still “no definitive timeline” for Banchero’s return. However, the 21-year-old has hinted he could be back by Christmas.
And Franz Wagner?
Some may say it’s been a cruel twist of fate, with Wagner dealing with the exact same issue: a torn right oblique. The news broke over the weekend, and it’s a fresh blow to a team already struggling with injuries. While Wagner hasn’t put up Banchero’s level of stats this year, his versatility and defense are major losses for the Magic.
Wagner, now in his third year, has been a steady presence on both ends of the court. His absence leaves a massive gap, especially against the Bucks, who sit 12-11 coming into this.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.