Paolo Banchero active ahead of Game 2 matchup against Minnesota

He opened the season with 35 points and 10 assists.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 56m1 min read

Paolo Banchero (35 points, 10 assists, 83% FG in the season opener) gets loose ahead of our matchup against Minnesota 🔥 Via @OrlandoMagic on X

What happened: Paolo Banchero is on the floor preparing for Friday's home contest against Minnesota after shooting 83% from the field on opening night. He connected on 10 of 12 shots overall and 3 of 4 from three-point range while adding seven rebounds in that Oct. 21 debut.

Why it matters: Despite Banchero's efficiency, the team dropped its 2026-27 opener 132-125 to Atlanta as Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 31 points. Sustaining his dual scoring and playmaking output is central to avoiding an 0-2 start to the regular season.

By the numbers: Banchero built his opener with 22 first-half points on 6-of-7 shooting and 28 points in 29 minutes through three quarters, following a 25-point, seven-rebound preseason finale.

What to watch: Tipoff against Minnesota at Kia Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with broadcast coverage on WRDQ 27 and DAZN.

Sources

@OrlandoMagic 2026-10-23T22:36:06.555572+00:00

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