Jameer Nelson was a late scratch from Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns due to soreness in his groin and hamstring. According to John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com, the Magic hope their decision to rest Nelson Sunday and on Orlando's off-day Monday will enable the nine-year veteran to play in back-to-back games Tuesday and Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Second-year pro E'Twaun Moore earned the starting nod in Nelson's place, the first start of his career. Through the first half, Moore has tallied seven points, two assists, three steals, and two turnovers.
Nelson's absence complicates a Magic offense already missing, in starting small forward Hedo Türkoğlu, one of its better ballhandlers. Getting open shots against Phoenix has proven difficult through the first 24 minutes, as Orlando has shot just 36 percent from the floor. Phoenix leads, 56-46.
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