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Paolo Banchero was sidelined for the first time in the Orlando Magic’s Wednesday home game vs. the Dallas Mavericks.
The Magic ruled Banchero out because of a sprained left ankle he suffered in Monday’s 134-127 loss to the Houston Rockets at Amway Center.
“He’ll be day to day,” coach Jamahl Mosley said of Banchero. “He’s moving around a little bit but probably more sore than anything.”
Banchero, the No. 1 pick in June’s draft, was added to the team’s evening injury report Tuesday evening, listed as questionable until two hours before tipoff.
He rolled the ankle on a drive to the basket with 2:51 remaining against the Rockets.
Banchero finished the game, recording 30 points on 8-of-16 shooting and 12 of 14 on free throws to go with 6 rebounds and 4 assists in 35 minutes.
He was one of five Magic players who had played in all 11 games entering Wednesday and one of three, along with Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner, to start every matchup.
Banchero is averaging a team-high 23.5 points, which also is the most among rookies and 21st among all players, to go with 8.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 34.6 minutes.
Two-way guard Kevon Harris also was ruled out because of a left rib contusion.
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.
Chuma Okeke stepped into the starting lineup alongside Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Bol Bol and Wendell Carter Jr.
“The great part about this team is they each step into a role,” Mosley said. “They know when their numbers are called, they’ll be ready. You saw that the other night with Mo Bamba. You see that with what Kevon has done being able to step in. With guys being out, other guys are going to step into that role and they do it willingly.”
Wednesday’s game will tip off at 5:30 p.m, 1 1/2 hours earlier than originally scheduled, because of Tropical Storm Nicole.
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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