Paolo Banchero expects to miss at least a month with his high ankle sprain

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero expects to be out at least a month with the low-grade high ankle sprain that has kept him out since the second game of the season. “I would say at least a month. You know, four weeks,” he said. “But depending on how the treatment and rehab go, hopefully I can shake back quicker than that. But I’m not going to rush it.” The Orlando Sentinel reported the comments. Jason Beede wrote.

Banchero, who is in a walking boot as he begins rehab, called the injury a freak accident. “I felt like I was doing everything right to prevent it,” he said. “I don’t want this to linger around. It’s my first time dealing with a high ankle sprain.”

Banchero was diagnosed after an MRI on Friday, when the typical recovery for the injury was set at four to six weeks. He played 26 minutes in the season’s second game after a teammate landed on his ankle in the first quarter.