The Magic upgraded Paolo Banchero from questionable to available ahead of Friday’s game against the Heat at Kia Center, marking the end of a recovery process that lasted more than three weeks.

The Orlando star missed 10 games because of a left groin strain he suffered on his 23rd birthday Nov. 12 at New York, but he’s worked his way back to the court after the team went 7-3 without him.

“I’m really excited,” Banchero said after Friday morning shootaround. “I’ve been feeling really good this week. It’s only been 10 games but it feels like it’s been 50. I’m just happy to be back out there, get to run up and down, and compete.

“And be out there for the rest of the year,” he added.

Banchero was able to go through the team’s entire shootaround, according to Magic coach Jamahl Mosley who later added that he’ll be on an undisclosed minutes restriction.

“It does wonders,” Mosley said about the mental aspect of getting Banchero back. “He loves being out there with his teammates, he loves being out there on the court and he loves to hoop.

“It does so much for him but also for our guys just understanding his voice, his presence, what he provides for this team in so many ways is critical and crucial for us,” Mosley added.

Banchero was averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists through the first 12 games before his injury. He was hoping to not miss an extended period of time to avoid falling out of playing shape, something that happened last season when he sat out 36 games due to a torn right abdominal muscle.

“It feels good,” Banchero said about his conditioning level. “I’m sure it’ll be an adjustment. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of adrenaline. But my legs feel very fresh. It’s not the same as it was last year where I missed 30-something games. It’s only been 10 games.

“I’ve done a ton of testing, running, jumping and dunking — All the movements that I normally do in the game, I’ve been able to do without any pain or discomfort,” he added.

Although different types of injuries, Banchero was able to lean on what he went through last year in the ramp up to return this season.

“It definitely helped just thinking back on my experience last year with the oblique,” he said. “It was a little bit more severe and I had to take a lot more time.

“But knowing what that felt like and how I progressed, (now) feeling it with my groin but in a shorter period of time, just the progression of how I felt, how I worked through things (to get) to where I’m at right now.”

He also knows there’s still 59 games remaining in the regular season and beyond, should Orlando return to the playoffs for a third consecutive year.

“It’s a marathon,” Banchero said. “Even though I wanted to get back out there as soon as possible, I had to listen to my body and just take the time that was needed. Even coming back, I trust the training staff. I’m sure they’re going to have things for me to still do and work through, in terms of minutes and stuff like.

“I’ve just got to trust them and when I’m out there, give it my all. I’m just excited to be back out there with the guys.”

Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com

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