What was looking like an incredibly promising third year for an emerging young star has now hit a roadblock.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has suffered a torn right oblique and will be out indefinitely, the team announced Thursday.
According to the press release put out by the team, Banchero will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks and his return will be determined by how he responds to his treatment.
According to the team, the injury was suffered in the fourth quarter of Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls. The forward played out the entire game and took the team's final shot, a final-second heave that found the bottom of the basket but did not count due to time expiring.
Earlier on Friday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Banchero had suffered a right abdominal strain and was listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Cavaliers.
Banchero, 21, had been on a tear to start the season, averaging 29.0 points on 49.5 per cent shooting from the field and 34.4 per cent from three-point range. He also added 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.
He scored a career-high 50 points on Monday against the Indiana Pacers, tacking on 13 rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks in a 119-115 win.
The former first-overall pick enjoyed a breakout campaign with Orlando last season and was named an All-Star for the first time. He helped carry the Magic to a 47-35 record and their first playoff berth in four seasons.
Orlando is currently 3-2 and will face off against the Cavaliers on Friday in a rematch of their first-round playoff series last season.
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