Without All-Star forward Paolo Banchero on the floor due to a left groin strain, Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley knows the team will lean on past experiences of being without Banchero to carry them. 

“I think it helps a ton to be able to lean on that,” said Mosley during Orlando’s shoot around ahead of Friday’s NBA Cup game against the Brooklyn Nets. “Our guys know what it's like to play without him, but just understanding it's always going to be by committee.” 

Mosley emphasized the importance of other players stepping up when the face of the franchise is unavailable. 

“Guys stepping up and embracing the role of what they need to do, not asking for more, just be able to be a star in your role while he's out.” 

Banchero suffered the injury during the second quarter of the Magic’s Wednesday night matchup against the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden. It was Orlando’s first prime-time game of the season, and the roster stepped up in Banchero's absence, securing a 124-107 win. 

Mosley added that Banchero has still been involved even though he is not suiting up. 

“He's been around the guys. He was in the locker room, celebrated his birthday and all those things,” Mosley said. “He's been great.” 

The Magic are 1-0 in NBA Cup play after opening with a 123-110 win over the Boston Celtics at home on Nov. 7, a game Banchero played 36 minutes in. Without him against the struggling Nets (1-10), Mosley is confident in other players to answer the call. 

“It's by committee,” he repeated. “Whoever gets thrown in that situation will be able to step in, step up, and play right for what's important tonight for us with this group.” 

After a rocky start, the Magic are 5-2 over their last seven games and have cracked the top 10 in both offensive and defensive rating over that span. Desmond Bane, who has led the team in assists in four straight games, is looking more comfortable. Jalen Suggs has also been a factor as his minutes have increased. 

“I think there's just a poise about him,” Mosley said about Suggs. “His ability to pace the floor, to get guys in the right position defensively. You've seen when he's able to turn it up and get into guys defensively.”  

“Again, he's the head of the snake for us. So him being able to do that without the restrictions has been better and better each game.”