Paolo Banchero Injury Update: Orlando Magic All-Star makes his feelings clear on imminent return to lineup 

Five games into the season, the Orlando Magic lost All-Star Paolo Banchero to an oblique injury. Nearly two months later, the former No. 1 pick is gearing up for his long-awaited return.

Before getting injured, Banchero looked to be continuing his trajectory toward being a superstar in the NBA. In his fourth game of the season, he erupted for 50 points in a win over the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 28.

In recent days, there have been reports of Paolo Banchero being in the lineup for the Magic this week. Following practice on Thursday, the star forward opened up on how he feels ahead of his potential return.

"I feel really good," Banchero said. "Just happy to be back, participating in practice and just back with the team."

As far as when he'll be back in action, Shams Charania reported that the Magic are eyeing one night of their upcoming back-to-back for Banchero's return.

It goes without saying how big it is for the Magic to have Banchero back in the lineup. They've been vastly shorthanded for weeks now, as Franz Wagner also ended up being sidelined with an oblique injury. Despite being without two of their top players, the Magic have held on to fourth place in the East with a 22-16 record.

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Paolo Banchero talks about minutes restriction amid return to play

Seeing that he's been out for so long, Paolo Banchero still has ramping up to do as he gets back to 100%. While he is aware that he'll likely be on a minutes restriction when he returns, he hopes that it isn't for long.

When talking about what his workload could look like when he's back, Banchero cited it will fall on what the Magic's training staff thinks is manageable.

"I'm sure it will be a process," Banchero said after practice Thursday. "I won't be playing 40 minutes the first game. Just listening to the coaches and trainers, trusting them.

Hopefully I'm not restricted for too long and I can get out there and play my regular minutes at some point."

The Magic tip off night one of their back-to-back on Thursday against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Per the latest injury report, Paolo Banchero is listed as questionable. He will likely go through a warm-up routine before the Magic make a final call about his status.

If Orlando doesn't roll out Banchero against the Timberwolves, they'll have another opportunity to do so on Friday. The second leg of their back-to-back is against a fellow top team in the Eastern Conference: the Milwaukee Bucks.