Nelson Will Practice Tuesday With Magic

ORLANDO -- Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson will rejoin his teammates for practice Tuesday for the first time since his injury Feb. 2, still hoping to play in the NBA Finals that begin Thursday in Los Angeles against the Lakers.

Nelson, who made the Eastern Conference All-Star team this season for the first time, has been out since right shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. He has been pushing coaches and management to return for the playoffs.

"A miracle has to happen, but I haven't given up,'' said Nelson, whose rehabilitation is way ahead of the six months he was expected to need. "We'll see how it feels tomorrow. I'm getting ready.''

Nelson has been working out privately for much of the last four weeks, even participating in an informal, four-on-four scrimmage with contact. General manager Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy both said they will evaluate him in practice the next two days before making a decision on his availability.

"I'd say there is a smidgen of a chance that he could play,'' Smith said Monday. "It's still a 'no,' in my mind right now, but his rehab to this point has been unbelievable. He may know something that we don't. We'll have to see in practice.''

Although Van Gundy sounded almost skeptical Monday about Nelson's possible return, he also was intrigued by the possibility. The Magic have been starting Rafer Alston at point guard and using Anthony Johnson in reserve. Nelson's return would change the rotation they have used throughout the first three rounds.

The Magic beat the Lakers twice during the regular season, and each time it was Nelson who led the charge. He had 27 points and five assists the first time. He had 28 points and eight assists the second time.

"It's fantasy land to think after not playing for four months you can step in and play at the highest level. That seems like a tall order,'' Van Gundy said. "You're not going to get the All-Star you had, but we'll watch him in practice and see where he is.''

Previously on FanHouse:
Jameer Nelson Might Return for Finals