Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson will miss significant playing time after it was revealed that he suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder against the Dallas Mavericks. Nelson has been instrumental to the Magic's success this season, which had led to the Magic battling against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the defending champion Boston Celtics for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Nelson was selected to this year's All-Star Game by the coaches as a reserve for his stellar play. He joined Magic's center Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis as All-Stars this season. Nelson is averaging 16.7 points per game and 5.4 assists per game this year, which have been his best season statistics of his career. Nelson has also improved his shooting, with his field goal percentage at 50% and his three point field goal percentage at 45%, which are career highs.
Nelson's absence is going to hurt the Magic. The Magic went 4-1 when he was out earlier this season, but he is playing at a high level. I believe the Magic will still be competetive, but they don't stand a chance now against the Celtics and Cavaliers, who have good point guards in Mo Williams and Rajon Rondo. Anthony Johnson is the Magic backup point guard and he is certainly capable of scoring. But he doesn't give them the explosiveness Nelson gives them and they don't have another point guard on their roster, which means they'll probably have to make a trade. With Nelson's injury, the Magic's season will end without success.
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