Orlando Magic third-year forward Paolo Banchero joined the latest episode of Magic teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's podcast, 'The Dawg Talk Podcast.'

Following a 34-game absence due to a torn right abdominal muscle, Paolo Banchero returned to the Kia Center court Friday against the Bucks.

When asked after practice Wednesday whether or not it would be a challenge to re-integrate All-Star forward Paolo Banchero into the Magic starting lineup, veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope flipped the perspective of the question.

Orlando Magic All-Star forward Paolo Banchero is settling back after missing 34 games earlier this season because of injury on his oblique. He is now ready to build on what he has already set three years into his NBA journey.

The key for Denver is stringing together as many victories in a row as they can, and Orlando is a great test. The Nuggets might relax because they see the health of Orlando at this current moment, but last season in a similar situation, the Nuggets let go of the rope against the Magic and paid the price in crunch time.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero will not play in Thursday’s game against Timberwolves after being listed as questionable earlier in the day, a potential sign of his return to the lineup for the first time since Oct. 30.

Paolo Banchero suffered a torn right abdominal muscle, the Magic were fourth in the East. It was still early in the season and Jamahl Mosley‘s squad had played just five games. But 72 days and 35 games later?

The Magic's franchise player thrived in his return from an oblique injury, though it wasn't enough for the win.

For the Orlando Magic, Friday night at the Kia Center was all about Paolo Banchero ... 6:30 p.m.: Banchero is announced as a starter alongside Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Tristan ...

(AP Photo/John Raoux) Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, right ... drives around Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Milwaukee ...

When asked after practice Wednesday whether or not it would be a challenge to re-integrate All-Star forward Paolo Banchero into the Magic starting lineup, veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ...

Paolo Banchero's 34-point return to the Orlando ... season were rattled off – head coach Jamahl Mosley, then Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, Goga Bitadze and Tristan da Silva.