National Basketball Association
Preview
Minnesota at Orlando
When: 7:00 PM ET, Thursday, January 9, 2025
Where: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida

Orlando Magic superstar Paolo Banchero caused a bit of a stir on social media Tuesday by saying that "the wait is almost over," presumably referring to his impending return from a torn right oblique.

The wait could finally end Thursday, when the Magic begin a three-game homestand against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Banchero was reportedly given the green light on Wednesday to return to the court for the first time since Oct. 30. If he doesn't play Thursday, he could instead suit up for Friday's home game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The third-year forward was listed as questionable to return on Monday for Orlando's game against the New York Knicks, however he was ruled out in a game-time decision.

Banchero wasn't alone in sitting out, as the Magic overcame the absences of Jalen Suggs (back), Franz Wagner (oblique) and Moe Wagner (season-ending ACL injury) in a 103-94 victory over the Knicks.

"I can't say it enough -- it is who we are," Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said. "The ‘next man up' mentality, the ‘by committee mentality.' Not making excuses for anything and any situation is what this group is all about. I'm so proud of this group for continuing to battle, continuing to fight."

Cole Anthony scored 24 points while making the start in place of Suggs. Wendell Carter Jr. had a season-high 19 points off the bench for the Magic, who shot 50 percent from the floor to record their third win in five games.

"We believe we have enough," said Anthony Black, who had nine points and five assists in his return from a four-game absence due to a back injury.

"I remember our first game in Miami (on Oct. 23). We played a really good game, got a really good 'W'. But I remember sitting on the bench talking to one of the assistants, saying like, 'Yo, this team is scary. We really can roll out any five and compete.' The proof is in the pudding now."

The Timberwolves answered a three-game losing skid by recording a 108-106 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday and a 104-97 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans the following night.

Anthony Edwards continued his torrid run, following up a 53-point performance in a 119-105 setback at Detroit on Saturday with 37- and 32-point efforts. The 122 points and 23 3-pointers served as franchise records for a three-game span.

While the offensive numbers were nice, Rudy Gobert made his presence known on the defensive end with 14 rebounds and six blocks against the Pelicans. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year had three blocks in the fourth quarter alone.

"I try to set the tone for the team, and the team needs me to be the best in the world on that end for us to be who we want to be," Gobert said, per the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Julius Randle also stepped up with 16 points and was a plus-21 while spending considerable time guarding the returning Zion Williamson.

"Listen, I got a lot of respect, admiration for Julius," Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said. "His shot attempts overall are down from where he was in New York. His numbers have been in line with them, too, so he's having a bit more of an efficient season for us. We've asked him to do different things at different times as our team ebbed and flowed.

"... I'm always conscious of what we're asking him and maybe he's not able to settle into his own rhythm sometimes. But he's been a trooper."

--Field Level Media

Stats and Records
Team Comparison
  W/L Strk Home Away Day Night Div Conf
Minnesota 19-17 W2 10-7 9-10 2-2 17-15 2-3 16-10
Orlando 22-16 W1 13-5 9-11 2-0 20-16 5-1 18-10
Last Meeting
Minnesota Orlando
Date Away Home Pts Reb FG% Pts Reb FG%
2/2/24 ORL 108 MIN 106 106 38 46.3 108 42 45.9
Player Stats
Previous Matchup
Points Player Total FG% FTM
Minnesota A. Edwards 22 50.0 2
Orlando P. Banchero 23 50.0 2
Rebounds Player Total Off Def
Minnesota R. Gobert 16 3 13
Orlando W. Carter Jr. 12 3 9
Assists Player  
Minnesota M. Conley 9
Orlando P. Banchero 6
Season
Points Player Total FG% FTM
Minnesota A. Edwards 992 44.5 123
Orlando F. Wagner 632 45.6 125
Rebounds Player Total Off Def
Minnesota R. Gobert 412 130 282
Orlando G. Bitadze 308 108 200
Assists Player  
Minnesota J. Randle 164
Orlando F. Wagner 146
Quickchart Matchup
Minnesota Minnesota Off vs  Orlando Orlando Defense
Minnesota Off vs Orlando - Points For 109.1 Points For
Minnesota Off vs Orlando - Points Against 103.2 Points Against
Minnesota - FG% 45.7 FG%
Orlando - FG% 46.4 FG%
Minnesota - Reb 43.4 Reb
Orlando - Reb 40.6 Reb
Orlando Orlando Off vs  Minnesota Minnesota Defense
Orlando Off vs Minnesota - Points For 105.2 Points For
Orlando Off vs Minnesota - Points Against 107.7 Points Against
Orlando - FG% 44.7 FG%
Minnesota - FG% 45.6 FG%
Orlando - Reb 41.5 Reb
Minnesota - Reb 43.2 Reb