This NBA season hasn't gone to plan thus far for the Orlando Magic. They've lost their first two games of the Sean Sweeney era, and now an All-Star has gone down.
Paolo Banchero, who dominated the season opener with 35 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, will reportedly miss the next 4-6 weeks after suffering a low-grade high ankle sprain Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
It's far from ideal timing for Orlando, which is already dealing with injuries to Jonathan Isaac and Anthony Black. That means Franz Wagner will shoulder an ever bigger offensive load over the next few weeks.
Banchero, the 23-year-old out of Duke, is aiming to get back some of his early career momentum as he won Rookie of the Year and made his lone All-Star appearance the following season.
When is Paolo Banchero coming back?
Based on Banchero's recovery timeline, a possible early return date is Nov. 24 at home against the Detroit Pistons. If he requires the entire six weeks to get healthy, Dec. 12 at the Philadelphia 76ers could be the date.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: When is Paolo Banchero coming back to Magic after ankle injury?