Magic Injury Report: Big Question Mark Over Paolo Banchero’s Availability Tonight vs the Cavaliers?

After securing a 118-100 win against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, the Orlando Magic will stop at Cleveland tonight to play their fourth game against the Cavaliers. In the last three games they have played against each other, the Magic has lost two and won one. They will try to assert their dominance and equalize the record tonight. However, there has been uncertainty about the team’s top scorer Paolo Banchero’s presence in the game.

Paolo geared up for the Magic’s most recent game against the Knicks and chipped in 36 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. But it looks like he could potentially miss tonight’s game vs the Cavs, and it is not due to an injury.

As per the latest updates, Paolo is dealing with an illness which has led him to be listed as questionable. According to an X post by the team’s Director of Digital News Dan Savage, “Paolo Banchero (illness) is now listed as questionable for the @OrlandoMagic‘s road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight.” Specific details about his illness are unclear, but if he misses the game, it will be his first this season. That’s right, Paolo hasn’t missed a single game so far into the season. 

The 21-year-old forward is currently leading the team stats in points, rebounds, and assists with averages of 23.0, 6.9, and 5.3 respectively. He has been a detrimental piece to the Magic’s success this season and has been touted as one of the top rising stars in the league. Despite his incredible performances, Paolo deals with a rare medical condition that could be the reason for his potential absence tonight.

Paolo Banchero perspires heavily during games

The young forward battles with a rare medical condition that makes him sweat profusely. This makes him lose up to seven pounds of sweat in a single game! Due to the heavy sweating, Paolo often experiences cramps and other physical problems during the games. This is a huge factor that hinders his performance on the floor and affects his general health at large.

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In order to prevent the cramps resulting from the heavy sweating, Paolo has to often undergo a sweat test and resort to consuming a special drink called the BOA Oxygenated Fluid. The cramping has led Paolo to move to the sidelines mid-game in the past. However, having played every single game this season despite dealing with the condition has been a commendable feat.

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Currently, he is still listed as questionable, and it is uncertain if he will move up to the starting lineup tonight.