Magic power forward Paolo Banchero returned to the starting lineup after a 10-game absence due to a left groin strain and helped lead Orlando to a 106-105 win over the Miami Heat on Friday night at the Kia Center.
Banchero played 20 minutes and had nine points on 3-of-8 shooting to go with six rebounds and two assists.
It was his first game since he injured his groin during the Magic's win against the Knicks in New York on Nov. 12,
The Magic started playing their best basketball of the season one game before Banchero was hurt, and they won seven of the 10 games Banchero missed.
Banchero entered Friday averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game on the season.
Orlando and Miami will face each other again Tuesday in an NBA Cup quarterfinal in Orlando.
