Magic's Banchero available vs. Heat after missing last 10 games

Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is available to play Friday evening against the Miami Heat, the team announced.

Banchero missed the Magic's last 10 games with a left groin strain. The team posted a 7-3 record during his absence.

Banchero is optimistic about his conditioning level despite the extended layoff.

"I'm sure I'll have a lot of adrenaline. But my legs feel very fresh," Banchero told reporters Friday, including Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. "It's not the same as it was last year where I missed 30-something games. ... I've done a ton of testing, running, jumping, and dunking - all the movements that I normally do in the game, I've been able to do without any pain or discomfort."

The All-Star forward averaged 21.7 points, 8.7 boards, and 4.1 assists across 12 appearances prior to being sidelined. His 19.5% assist percentage ranks in the 87th percentile among forwards, per Cleaning the Glass.

Banchero's return should bolster Orlando's ninth-ranked offense.

The Magic are tied for fifth in the East with a 13-9 record entering Friday's play.