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Orlando Magic rookie forward Paolo Banchero didn’t practice Tuesday after sitting for Monday’s home loss to the Charlotte Hornets, his third consecutive absence because of a sprained left ankle.
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said Banchero’s status remains day-to-day ahead of Wednesday’s homestand-ending matchup vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves (6-8).
“Obviously, he’s not happy, understandably,” Mosley said. “He wants to be out there with his teammates. He’s doing everything we’re asking of him to do in order to get back on the court. He’s going to continue to do that.”
Banchero practiced Saturday, with Mosley saying, “He went through all the drills we put forth for him,” and that he’d be a game-time decision for Monday. He was listed as questionable on the team’s injury report before being ruled out two hours before tipoff.
When asked by the Orlando Sentinel Monday if the ankle was still sore, Banchero nodded his head up and down to affirm it did.
Banchero, the No. 1 pick in June’s draft, was originally added to the team’s evening injury report on Nov. 8 after rolling the ankle on a drive to the basket with 2:51 remaining in the home loss to the Houston Rockets on Nov. 7.
He is averaging a team-high 23.5 points, which is the most among rookies, to go with 8.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 34.6 minutes (11 games).
Cole Anthony (torn right internal oblique), Markelle Fultz (fractured left big toe), Gary Harris (left knee injury recovery), Jonathan Isaac (left knee injury recovery) and Moe Wagner (sprained right midfoot) remain sidelined.
“Nothing new to really report,” Mosley said. “Those guys are still on the same track.”
This story will be updated.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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