Paolo Banchero out indefinitely due to torn right oblique

Orlando Magic young superstar Paolo Banchero will be sidelined indefinitely due to a torn right oblique, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. 

The 6-foot-10 forward will be re-evaluated in 4-6 weeks with his return depending on his response to treatment. 

ANALYSIS: This is a tough break for the Magic currently with a 3-2 record. Banchero has been a big part of that, averaging over 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in 5 games. He had a good start to the season, scoring 50 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists to become the second youngest player since LeBron James to have that statline. 

Now the Magic will be scrambling and look to their bench to supplant Banchero’s production. This could mean additional minutes for Jonathan Isaac, who has not played that much to start the year. This could also mean more offensive load for Banchero’s co-star Franz Wagner, as he would be tasked to lead and score more for Orlando. Rookie forward Tristan da Silva would also likely get some run off the bench as players like Jett Howard, Caleb Houstan, and Anthony Black move up the rotational hierarchy. 

This would be an interesting month of November for the young Magic as they try to keep in step with the East.