Paolo Banchero’s return from injury can influence the Orlando Magic’s trade deadline plans, potentially impacting key roster decisions.

The Orlando Magic recently gave a major injury update for their star Paolo Banchero ahead of their back-to-back on Thursday and Friday.

Paolo Banchero hints at his return from injury with a social media post, sparking optimism for the Orlando Magic's season.

Magic star Paolo Banchero is expected to return to action at home against Milwaukee on Friday, sources told ESPN.

Paolo Banchero will play on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Orlando Magic announced. Banchero has not seen game action since tearing his oblique in October. He missed 34 games due to the injury.

Paolo Banchero looks set to finally make his return to the court this week and he could start as soon as tonight.

Injured Orlando Magic All-Star Paolo Banchero is expected to return to the court this week, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.

Paolo Banchero missed 34 games ... Franz Wagner's torn oblique and Moritz Wagner's season-ending torn ACL among them — entered Friday in the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference.

Orlando and Minnesota square off in non-conference action. Thursday's matchup is the first of the season between the two teams.

With the February 6 trade deadline approaching, the Orlando Magic face critical decisions about how to bolster their roster. Injuries have prevented the team from fully evaluating the potential of their current lineup, but their league-worst three-point shooting remains a fatal flaw that could doom them in the postseason if left unaddressed.

The Magic are 4-6 in their last 10 games. Yet, they have the same record now as they did at this point last season. So, what gives?

After Banchero, the team’s leading scorers are Franz Wagner (24.4), Jalen Suggs (16.4) and Moritz Wagner (12.9). None of those players will be available against the Philadelphia 76ers, and Banchero should see a monster usage rate and plenty of shot attempts.