Magic to sit Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, others vs. Pacers
Apr 8, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) is fouled by Atlanta Hawks guard Vit Krejci (27) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images The Orlando Magic ruled out star forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, center Wendell Carter Jr. and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for their game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday in Indianapolis.
All four previously were listed as questionable for Orlando (40-40), which clinched the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference and the top spot in the play-in tournament with a 96-76 home win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. The Magic have won four straight games and will host the No. 8 seed -- either the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls or Atlanta Hawks -- on Tuesday.
Banchero will miss Friday's game due to right ankle soreness, while Wagner is out with right knee soreness. Caldwell-Pope is nursing a left knee strain and Carter is hampered by a right hip contusion.
Banchero averages 25.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, Wagner contributes 24.2 and 5.7 and Carter adds 9.2 and 7.3, respectively. Caldwell-Pope averages 8.8 points per game
--Field Level Media
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