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Jason Beede: After making his season debut at New York, #Magic guard Anthony Black is no longer listed on the injury report for Wednesday’s game at Toronto. Orlando expectedly won’t have Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, Noah Penda or Izaiyah Nelson against the Raptors.
Jason Beede: Orlando is leaning towards starting Jase Richardson in place of Paolo Banchero tonight at New York, #Magic coach Sean Sweeney said when I asked pre-game. Sweeney added that they’re still working on the decision.
Jason Beede: The #Magic have upgraded Anthony Black (right ankle sprain) to Questionable for Sunday’s game at New York. Paolo Banchero (right low grade high ankle sprain), Jonathan Isaac (left knee injury management), Noah Penda (right partially torn hamstring) and Izaiyah Nelson are OUT.
Despite falling to the Atlanta Hawks in their season opener, the Orlando Magic could take comfort in knowing that Paolo Banchero filled up the stat sheet with a historic game. They lost again on Friday night, and this defeat is accompanied by far more concern. The franchise pillar suffered an ankle injury versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, inducing groans throughout the fan base. Magic head coach Sean Sweeney did not provide much information following the 115-93 home loss, but he did confirm that Banchero has a sore ankle, per the Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede. The All-Star forward will undergo further evaluations.
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As The Stein Line first reported last Sunday, however, Orlando's Anthony Black is not expected to join that group after scant discussion between the sides to this point. The Magic remain big fans of the 22-year-old and don't want to trade him, league sources say, but Orlando also knows that its payroll can't withstand another pricey long-term deal with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane all on long-term pacts and each of them making between $32.4 million (Suggs) and $41.8 million (Wagner) this season.
The Stein Line has been advised by sources briefed on the situation to classify an extension for Magic swingman Anthony Black as unlikely at this current juncture. Sources say that the sides have not engaged in any meaningful extension dialogue to date — not during the offseason or even since training camps began — because the Magic have concerns about the long-term financial obligations they have already stacked up by signing Jalen Suggs to a lucrative extension in addition to frontcourt stalwarts Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner and summer of 2025 marquee trade acquisition Desmond Bane.
Despite their contrasting body types and playing styles, Banchero sees immense value in dissecting Durant’s relentless approach to his craft. “Obviously, our games are a lot different, and our bodies are a lot different,” Banchero explained. “But I think the biggest thing I take from him is just how he works out, the intensity at which he works out, and how every rep he does is game speed, you know? I think those are the biggest things I’ve learned from him.”
Jason Beede: “Looking like young Paolo,” #Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. said about teammate Paolo Banchero and his workouts this summer. Carter described Banchero as “very springy” and “very bouncy.”
Jason Beede: #Magic forward Paolo Banchero at the table: Banchero said he was surprised at how quickly new Orlando coach Sean Sweeney called him after being hired. Mentioning multiple long conversations with was other, Banchero added that Sweeney flew out and spent time with him in Seattle.
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Working with star talent is nothing new for Sweeney. Over the course of his coaching career he’s helped All-NBA players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, Luka Doncic in Dallas and Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio unlock elements of their respective games. Now, the task at hand is getting franchise cornerstones Banchero and Wagner to reach new heights. “First and foremost, (what’s stood out is that) they're enjoyable to be around,” he said. “Their work habits have been exemplary this summer. Anytime we're talking about guys that we want to have a great year, which we want for all our players, but (especially when you) talk about those guys, we want them to set a standard for how we want to be and who we want to be. So, how we operate each day. They've done a great job with their work habits (and) their leadership by example. And then, to me, what they have done a great job of is their actions have allowed their voices to resonate with not only their teammates, but with the coaching staff. And then from that standpoint, they obviously have talent and skill that we want to utilize and make the most of.”
Kendrick Perkins: "The Orlando Magic. You fired the coach. They're not going to have a run like they expecting. You got a new head coach. They're going to move on from Paolo Banchero eventually. He will be the first All-Star, All-NBA player traded."
NBA Stat: Worst clutch 3PT% in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season (min. 15 clutch 3PA): 1. Cade Cunningham — 6.7% 2. Paolo Banchero — 10.5% 3. PJ Washington — 11.1% 4. Michael Porter Jr. — 16.0% 5. Russell Westbrook — 18.8% (via Clutch Numbers) #NBA
Paolo Banchero: After losing three years in a row in the first round, that sense of urgency is definitely there for me just to work as hard as I can and keep my mind on the main goal, which is obviously to win in the postseason and to get past the first round and deep into the playoffs. So, that's all that's been on my mind this summer. Obviously getting ready for the grind of an 82 game season, but also doing what I need to do physically and mentally to to get ready for a playoff run, because that's what we're trying to do.
