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Magic star Paolo Banchero is out indefinitely due to an oblique tear

Magic star Paolo Banchero is out indefinitely due to an oblique tear

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Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) brings the ball onto the court against the Indiana Pacers during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Paolo Banchero looked like he was about to have a breakout season. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Paolo Banchero enjoyed the first 50-point game of his career on Monday. Three days later, it is unclear when the Orlando Magic star will play again.

Banchero was diagnosed with a torn right oblique muscle and is out indefinitely, the Magic announced Thursday. He suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of a 102-99 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday and will be reevaluated in four to six weeks.

The injury brings an abrupt end to what turned out to be a breakout season for the former No. 1 overall pick. After winning Rookie of the Year honors in his first season and an All-Star honor in his second season, Banchero consistently averaged career highs in his first five games, including points (29 per game), rebounds (8.8) and assists (5.6), field goal percentage (49.5%) and 3-point percentage (34.4%), plus a career-low in turnovers (2.2).

Much of that leap forward came on Monday, when he dropped 50 points on the Indiana Pacers, including 37 in the first half, in a 119-115 win.

At the end of the schedule, a four-week recovery period would still result in Banchero missing 15 games for the 3-2 Magic. He played at least 72 games in each of his first two years, but will not reach that mark this season.

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