Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero made his return from a 34-game absence lived up to the billing, but the Magic fell in a thriller 109-106.

Banchero has missed the Magic's last 33 games, and he will reportedly miss a 34th on when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. On the official injury report, he is still listed as "questionable" for that game, as of Thursday afternoon.

Paolo Banchero returned to the Orlando Magic lineup on Friday night after missing 34 games with a torn right oblique. The third-year forward led the Magic with 34 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. He scored 12 of Orlando's final 14 points as a rally fell just short.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has been out since the end of October due to a torn right oblique. After being a full participant in Wednesday's practice, a league source tells Magic on SI he's expected to be upgraded to questionable ahead of the Magic's home-back-to-back this Thursday and Friday.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 points and 14 rebounds and the Milwaukee Bucks beat Orlando 109-106 on Friday night in spite of 34 points by the Magic's Paolo Banchero in his long-awaited return from an injury.

Paolo Banchero will play on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Orlando Magic announced. Banchero has not seen game action since tearing his oblique in October. He missed 34 games due to the injury.

Paolo Banchero’s return from injury can influence the Orlando Magic’s trade deadline plans, potentially impacting key roster decisions.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 points and 14 rebounds and the Milwaukee Bucks beat Orlando 109-106 on Friday night in spite of 34 points by the Magic’s Paolo Banchero in his long-awaited return from an injury. Damian Lillard added 29 points for the Bucks, including a couple of free throws with 9.3 seconds left for the game’s final points.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero's return Friday night was a spectacle on all fronts. The tone was set with his starting lineup introduction, featuring a WWE flare that had Banchero reminded of his childhood. ORLANDO, Fla. – Paolo Banchero's 34-point return to the Orlando Magic starting lineup was a spectacle to behold Friday night.

Paolo Banchero missed 34 games, then came back and scored 34 points. The Orlando forward — back in the lineup for the first time in almost 2 1/2 months while recovering from a torn oblique muscle — gave his team a chance on Friday night,

ORLANDO, Fla. - Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 points and 14 rebounds and the Milwaukee Bucks beat Orlando 109-106 on Friday night in spite of 34 points by the Magic's Paolo Banchero in his long-awaited return from an injury.