After the Magic fell to the Timberwolves by 15 points on Thursday night, Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said his team “didn’t have the energy needed” to win against Minnesota. There might not have been anything better to give Orlando a much-needed boost of energy Friday night vs.

Having Banchero back in the mix gives the Magic offense a whole new set of weapons. And if he’s able to return to the form he evidenced in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign, then he should be able to keep the Magic as one of the best teams in the East as the regular season rapidly approaches its mid-point.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero made his return from a 34-game absence lived up to the billing, but the Magic fell in a thriller 109-106.