Magic's Paolo Banchero Eyes Christmas Return from Injury: 'I Just Miss the Show'

After an outstanding start to the season, Paolo Banchero suffered a torn oblique that has left him sidelined since the end of October.

Per Andscape's Marc J. Spears, the Orlando Magic star is hoping to return in about a month or so.

"Personally — this isn't from the medical team or anything — but the way I feel, I think [I'm back] before Christmas," Banchero said. "So maybe that's a week before. A couple of days before. Now, if it's around that time, Arnie (Kander) says, 'Man, no way. You can't go,' then I'll listen. But if he gives me the green light, then I'm going to do it for sure."

Through the first few seasons of his career, missing time has been a rare occurrence for Banchero. He played 72 games in his rookie year and missed just two games a season ago.

"I just miss the show. I just miss the league. I miss the games, being out there on the court, in the arena," he said. "Having the ball on my hands, just hooping, talking s--t. Sitting there watching the game is cool, fun and I'm always engaged and cheering and trying to help guys out, and lead and coach. But there is only so much I can do sitting in street clothes. I can only say so much, clap so many times. I just want to go out there.

"I don't know how guys do that. I really don't because it drives me crazy just being on the bench. But you got to do it. That's been the hardest part, just having to sit there every game."

Banchero, who averaged a career-high 22.6 points per game along with 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists a year ago, looked prepared to make another leap in his third year before the injury. Through his first five games, he put up 29 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.

He had a pair of 30-point outings in that stretch along with a career-high 50 points against the Indiana Pacers just one game before the injury.

The Magic have managed to stay afloat with their star, sitting at 9-7 on the year. They went on a six-game win streak earlier in November before losing to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.

Playing decently well without Banchero is a good indication that Orlando will be in playoff form upon his return, which could be just a month away.