The power forward of the Orlando Magic Paolo Banchero was listed as questionable with a right abdominal strain ahead of the team’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, following a narrow loss to the Chicago Bulls, according to a report from ESPN‘s Shams Charania. Banchero’s availability will be re-evaluated before the game, casting uncertainty over his participation in the Magic’s first nationally televised game of the season. The news comes as Banchero has had a stellar start to his third NBA season, positioning himself among the franchise’s greats. Through five games, he is averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 49.5 percent from the field. Banchero’s performances also place him in the NBA’s elite company, joining the likes of Oscar Robertson, Luka Doncic and LeBron James as one of only four players aged 21 or younger to average at least 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the start of a season.
