Paolo Banchero, the top pick from the 2022 NBA Draft, returned to the lineup on Friday night for the Orlando Magic. The rookie had missed several games with injury played in his first game on Friday since November 7th.
In his return to action, he scored 19 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists as the Magic lost to the Philadelphia 76ers. Banchero played 36 minutes in the game. Usually, when he logs that amount of time he at least flirts with a double-double. There may be a bit of rust in returning to action for the Rookie of the Year betting favorite.
Orlando's woes continue with the loss
The 76ers were the team that entered the game with injury problems. All of James Harden, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey were out for the game. Orlando, as hosts, had to be disappointed that they did not take a win away against a shorthanded Philadelphia squad.
Banchero has been as short as -1000 (1/10) to win the NBA's Rookie of the Year award with bet365. Those odds lengthened during his absence. The same sportsbook now has Banchero at -400 (1/4) to win the award with Bennedict Mathurin the second favorite at 7/2.
Banchero is definitely one to watch right now
Banchero's next game will be Sunday against the 76ers again. He is definitely a player to watch at this point in the season. When players return from injury, they are not always as effective as they were formerly. If he is not 100%, then he should never be regarded as a 1 to 4 favorite to win the ROY.
Further reading: NBA recap for November 25th, 2022
