Paolo Banchero on his way back

Absent from the courts since his left ankle injury on November 7 against the Rockets, Paolo Banchero has missed the last seven games of his Magic team.

Of these seven games, Orlando has accumulated three victories for four defeats… What to look forward to the return of the prodigal son, a return which is becoming clearer as Paolo Banchero took part in yesterday’s training for Friday’s match against Philly.

” I feel good. It was good to get back to training, it was starting to be a while,” smiled the rookie on the Magic website. “I did a lot of observation. [ces dernières semaines], so I was happy to be able to be on the pitch for a change. »

In great form for his debut, with more than 23 points, 8 rebounds and almost 4 assists per game, the former Dukie is the favorite for the title of best beginner. Above all, he is eager to be able to return to the game and help his team to raise the bar, which is in the depths of the Eastern Conference with only 5 successes in 18 games…

“I was in a good rhythm, that’s for sure. I really felt that I was improving with each game and learning a lot. After each meeting, I watch a lot of videos with the coaches and I felt a gradual progression. It’s really frustrating to have suffered this injury in the middle of this good dynamic. But I can’t wait to get back and pick up where I left off. »

In addition to Paolo Banchero, it is also Moe Wagner and Markelle Fultz, the seriously injured Magic, who were also present during yesterday’s training. A positive sign, but still to be taken with a grain of salt, because neither the German interior nor the American leader should yet be able to return anytime soon.

Unlike Paolo Banchero who could return if not this Friday, why not for the second confrontation in a row against Philly on Sunday.