The Orlando Magic could be without star forward Paolo Banchero for more than a month after he suffered a right ankle injury during Friday night's 115-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Saturday that Banchero sustained a low-grade right high ankle sprain, an injury that could sideline the 23-year-old for four to six weeks.

Charania shared the update via X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero has sustained a low-grade right high ankle sprain, sources tell ESPN. This injury diagnosis typically carries a timetable of 4-to-6 weeks.”

Although Orlando has not announced an official timetable for Banchero's return, the reported recovery window suggests he could miss a significant portion of the opening months of the 2026-27 regular season.

Banchero finished Friday's loss with 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal across 26 minutes. He shot 6-for-11 from the field and 2-for-4 from the free-throw line.

Following the game, first-year Magic head coach Sean Sweeney told the Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede that Banchero was dealing with ankle soreness but could not provide additional information about the injury.

Paolo Banchero has suffered a mild high ankle sprain in his right ankle, per @ShamsCharania.

This type of injury typically comes with a recovery timeline of 4–6 weeks. pic.twitter.com/XEzaGtseCC

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 24, 2026

Magic face difficult stretch without Paolo Banchero

The injury represents an early setback for Orlando, which has opened the season with consecutive losses under Sweeney.

Banchero entered the campaign looking to build on a productive 2025-26 season in which he averaged 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists across 72 games.

Article Continues Below

He also made NBA history during Wednesday's 132-125 season-opening loss to the Atlanta Hawks, recording 35 points and 10 assists while shooting 83.3% from the field.

With Banchero potentially facing an extended absence, Orlando will need additional offensive production from Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs.

The Magic (0-2) will now begin a three-game road trip Sunday against the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks (0-2).

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.