Magic forward Paolo Banchero would have been lying if he said he didn’t feel any angst leading up to Thursday’s MRI at the AdventHealth Training Center.
Just a year removed from suffering a torn right abdominal muscle that forced him to miss two-plus months, the Orlando star found himself dealing with another injury after exiting Wednesday’s game in the second quarter at New York due to a left groin strain.
Although he was ruled out of Friday’s NBA Cup game against Nets and his return to the court will depend on how he responds to treatment as he continues to be evaluated daily, Banchero found some solace in the results of the imaging.
“You never know until you know,” Banchero said Friday morning. “So, when you got the news it was relatively minor, it was definitely the best possible news. So, I was happy about that.
“It’s a marathon and I want to attack it every day — not even getting out of game shape either, still doing the regular stuff, still traveling, just doing all of the things so when I come back it’s seamless, and I don’t have an adjustment period,” he added.
Much like the team, Banchero plans to take his rehab one day at a time, and although he was unable to provide an exact timeline for his return, he feels positive about the outlook.
“Hopefully not too long,” he said. “It’s not anything major. I’m able to walk and do everything regularly. It’s just a little sore.”
Banchero also doesn’t want to rush his return either. There’s a balance between making his way back and ensuring he’s taken the proper steps in the eventual ramp up.
“It’s a long season,” he said. “You don’t want to come back too early and have it linger around, bother you the rest of the season so I’m just going to take my time, listen to my body, but also attack the rehab process with a lot of urgency because I do want to get back out there as soon as possible.
“Just being smart about it and not doing anything prematurely.”
After hosting Brooklyn, the Magic travel to Houston on Sunday.
Carter gives back
Wendell Carter Jr. and his “A Platform² Foundation” hosted a Thanksgiving event Thursday in Orlando to honor veterans and active-duty military members for their service and sacrifice.
The Thanksgiving-style dinner, which included a special recognition of the service members in attendance, was served in partnership with Florida Blue, the Magic and USO.
“It means a lot,” Carter said about the event. “I saw it as an opportunity just to give back. It’s a small gesture of showing thanks for what they’ve done for us as a country.”
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
Up next …
Magic at Rockets
When: 7, Sunday, Toyota Center
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida/CW18