ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero will miss his second straight game on Friday versus the Phoenix Suns due to a sprained left ankle, the team announced.
Banchero suffered the injury in a loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday. He appeared to land awkwardly on the foot after driving to the rim and drawing contact late in the fourth quarter. He managed to finish the game after the incident.
The No. 1 pick was held out of the lineup on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks and was still experiencing soreness with the ankle. The injury is not considered to be serious.
“He is going to continue to stay day to day,” head coach Jamahl Mosley said.
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Banchero produced his second straight 30-point game versus the Rockets, finishing with 30 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. He became the third rookie in team history to record consecutive 30-point games (Shaquille O’Neal, Dennis Scott).
The 19-year-old is averaging 23.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 11 games this season. He has scored at least 20 points in nine of his 11 games and leads the rookie class in class in scoring. He is 21st among all players in that category.
The Magic continue a seven-game homestand on Monday with the Charlotte Hornets before wrapping it up on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves so it is possible Banchero will be able to play at some point next week.
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