Redick Out, Lee in for Magic

ORLANDO -- Magic guard Courtney Lee has regained his spot in the starting lineup, making him the only rookie starter among the four teams remaining in the NBA playoffs.

Lee, who spent four years at Western Kentucky University, is replacing J.J. Redick, who started all seven games in the conference semifinal matchup against the Boston Celtics but struggled with his shooting.

Lee started in the opening round against the Philadelphia 76ers, but he sustained a fractured sinus cavity when he was hit in the face by teammate Dwight Howard in Game 5.

"You're always hesitant of changing things when you're going well,'' Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy said. "But we're doing this primarily because of matchups.''

The Magic will begin play in the Eastern Conference final Wednesday against Cleveland, which starts Mo Williams and Delonte West in the backcourt. Redick did well defensively against slumping Ray Allen of the Celtics, but he shot poorly, hitting just 13 of 41 shots (31.7 percent).

Lee played in reserve for games 3-7 against Boston, shutting down Eddie House and providing some much-needed defensively energy.

"It's kind of funny, but I didn't even know who Courtney Lee was before he came here,'' said Magic center Dwight Howard. "And now he's playing a key role for us and we're trying to win a championship.''