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,

Having Banchero back in the mix gives the Magic offense a whole new set of weapons. And if he’s able to return to the form he evidenced in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign, then he should be able to keep the Magic as one of the best teams in the East as the regular season rapidly approaches its mid-point.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 points and 14 rebounds, helping lead the visiting Milwaukee Bucks to a 109-106 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday.