When asked after practice Wednesday whether or not it would be a challenge to re-integrate All-Star forward Paolo Banchero into the Magic starting lineup, veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ...

Following a 34-game absence due to a torn right abdominal muscle, Paolo Banchero returned to the Kia Center court Friday against the Bucks.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero's return Friday night was a spectacle on all fronts. The tone was set with his starting lineup introduction, featuring a WWE flare that had Banchero reminded of his childhood. ORLANDO, Fla. – Paolo Banchero's 34-point return to the Orlando Magic starting lineup was a spectacle to behold Friday night.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero will not play in Thursday’s game against Timberwolves after being listed as questionable earlier in the day, a potential sign of his return to the lineup for the first time since Oct. 30.

Paolo Banchero suffered a torn right abdominal muscle, the Magic were fourth in the East. It was still early in the season and Jamahl Mosley‘s squad had played just five games. But 72 days and 35 games later?

The Magic expect a transition period when Paolo Banchero is back. Yet as Cole Anthony said, 'That's a franchise guy. We want him on the court.'

The Magic's franchise player thrived in his return from an oblique injury, though it wasn't enough for the win.

(AP Photo/John Raoux) Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, right ... drives around Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Milwaukee ...

Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is set to return from a ... the Magic's starting lineup was Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Caleb Houstan, Tristan da Silva, and Goga Bitadze.

Magic 104, Sixers 99 Cole Anthony scored 27, Paolo Banchero added 20 pts, 8 rebs, and 6 asts, and Jonathan Isaac tallied 20 pts and 11 rebs in the win.Source: Twitter

When asked after practice Wednesday whether or not it would be a challenge to re-integrate All-Star forward Paolo Banchero into the Magic starting lineup, veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope flipped the perspective of the question.

It was always going to be an uphill battle for the Magic without three starters and three key reserves against the Celtics on Friday night. But on a night when Orlando was without Franz Wagner (return to competition reconditioning),