Multiple news outlets, including Dan Savage of OrlandoMagic.com and Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel, report that Orlando Magic power forward Brandon Bass has come down with the flu and will miss tonight's game against the New Jersey Nets at the very least. Bass was the Magic's last available power forward, as starter Rashard Lewis (suspension) and top reserve Ryan Anderson (sprained ankle) were already sidelined.
With Bass out, small forward Matt Barnes will shift up to power forward in his stead. Center Marcin Gortat and small forward Mickael Pietrus could also see time at the position.
In his 3 starts this season, Bass has posted averages of 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 24.7 minutes while shooting 48.3% from the field. Barnes might be an improvement over Bass in at least one respect, as he has soundly out-rebounded him on a per-minute basis despite playing further from the hoop. Nonetheless, Bass' absence leaves the Magic with no healthy power forwards and at least 240 minutes to divide between 8 9 players this evening. It is thus imperative for Gortat and starting center Dwight Howard to avoid foul trouble.