Is Paolo Banchero playing tonight against Knicks? Exploring Magic’s All-Star’s potential return after lengthy absence (Jan. 6)

The Orlando Magic will square off against the New York Knicks on Monday in a pivotal matchup between two competitive Eastern Conference teams. Despite a season marred by injuries to key players, the Magic finally have some positive news as rising star Paolo Banchero appears close to making his return.

Banchero, who has been sidelined since Oct. 30 due to a torn right oblique, has missed 32 consecutive games. However, there’s a possibility the former Duke standout could make his highly-anticipated return on Monday.

The one-time All-Star has been ramping up his activity for over a week and was recently seen taking shots before the Magic’s game against the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

Over a week ago, Orlando updated Banchero’s injury status to “return to competition reconditioning,” signaling his progress.

Additionally, comments from New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau after their 139-126 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday may have hinted at the likelihood of Banchero’s return to action for this critical matchup.

“We get a chance to go home. But it’s a good challenge for us,” Thibodeau told reporters. “Orlando, they’re getting people back. Banchero is back. And it’ll be a good test.”

Paolo Banchero, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, has appeared in only five games this season. He started the season on fire, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 49.5% from the field, including 34.4% from beyond the arc.

The Magic forward recently addressed his conditioning as he prepares to make his much-anticipated return to the court.

“Just been doing a lot of rehab and a lot of ramping up, trying to get my body back to playing shape,” Banchero said on Dec. 27. “Obviously, I had to sit 30-plus days without really doing much. So, I just had to kind of get my body back in that mode and I’m still in the process of that.”

Where to watch Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks?

The Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks game will take place on Monday, Jan. 6, at the Madison Square Garden in New York. The game will tip off at 7:30 p.m. EST (4:30 p.m. PT).

The Magic vs. Knicks game will be broadcast live on FDSFL (local) and MSG (local). The pre game coverage will begin one hour before tip off. The live streaming will be available on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions may apply).