The Orlando Magic have managed to maintain their position as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, even in the absence of All-Star Paolo Banchero for over two months. Reports from Moneyline indicate that Banchero is expected to be upgraded to questionable status on the injury report, with a potential return to action anticipated on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Banchero has not participated in a game since October 30, when he sustained a torn oblique muscle, interrupting what had been a remarkable start to the season.

In the five games prior to his injury, Banchero demonstrated exceptional performance, averaging 29.0 points with a 49.5 percent shooting rate, alongside 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. He notably scored a career-high 50 points in a victory against the Indiana Pacers on October 28, marking him as the first player from the Magic to reach the 50-point milestone since Tracy McGrady in 2004. The concern surrounding the Magic's offensive capabilities grew when Banchero was sidelined; however, forward Franz Wagner rose to the occasion, delivering the most prolific stretch of his career following Banchero's injury.

Wagner averaged 26.1 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.0 rebounds over the 20 games following Banchero's exit before encountering his own torn oblique muscle injury on December 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Magic have compiled a respectable 6-7 record in the 13 games without both Banchero and Wagner, including victories against notable opponents such as the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. With a current overall record of 22-16, the team sits 2.5 games behind the Knicks for the third seed in the Eastern Conference. The return of Banchero is anticipated to bolster an Orlando offense that currently ranks 26th in efficiency and 30th in points per game. As the Magic embark on a three-game homestand, they will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, followed by the matchup against the Bucks on Friday, and a contest against the Sixers on Sunday.