Former Duke Basketball Star Ready to End Months-Long Absence

Two days before suffering a torn oblique that has sidelined him since late October, former Duke basketball one-and-done Paolo Banchero posted a career-high 50 points, along with 10 rebounds and five assists, for the Orlando Magic in a win over the Indiana Pacers.

ALSO READ: Blue Devil Product Zion Williamson Does 360 in Return From Injury

Through five outings this season, the 22-year-old's third since hearing his name No. 1 overall at the 2022 NBA Draft, Banchero is averaging a career-high 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 49.5 percent from the field.

Now, per a report from ESPN's Shams Charania, Banchero is set to return to action in Orlando either on Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves or Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Charania noted the 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year "participated fully in Wednesday's practice" and that the Magic "are expected to upgrade him to questionable on the injury report."

The Orlando Magic, including another Duke basketball product in big man Wendell Carter Jr., sit 22-16 overall and No. 4 in the Eastern Conference standings.

Last season, first-time All-Star Paolo Banchero, averaging 21.6 points, 7.0 boards, and 4.6 assists for his career, helped power the upstart Magic to a 47-35 regular season and the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2020.

ALSO READ: Duke Rookie Cooper Flagg Throws Down 'Dunk of the Year' Poster

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more updates on NBA Blue Devils and other Duke basketball news.