Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero made his return from a 34-game absence lived up to the billing, but the Magic fell in a thriller 109-106.

Following a 34-game absence due to a torn right abdominal muscle, Paolo Banchero returned to the Kia Center court Friday against the Bucks.

Having Banchero back in the mix gives the Magic offense a whole new set of weapons. And if he’s able to return to the form he evidenced in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign, then he should be able to keep the Magic as one of the best teams in the East as the regular season rapidly approaches its mid-point.

Orlando Magic forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner maintained their top-10 standing in the second returns of NBA All-Star fan voting Thurs.

The night Paolo Banchero suffered a torn right abdominal muscle, the Magic were fourth in the East. It was still early in the season and Jamahl Mosley‘s squad had played just five games. But 72 days and 35 games later?