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The Orlando Magic will once again find themselves rather shorthanded tonight when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks. All-Star center Dwight Howard and reserve swingman Mickael Pietrus returned to Orlando last night due to a stomach virus, and now Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports starting point guard Jameer Nelson and backup shooting guard J.J. Redick have also embarked for home, suffering from the same ailment. Their absence, coupled with Ryan Anderson's sprained right mid-foot, means the Magic will only dress eight players for tonight's contest. They are Malik Allen, Brandon Bass, Vince Carter, Chris Duhon, Marcin Gortat, Rashard Lewis, Quentin Richardson, and Jason Williams.
Some NBA teams can get by with playing an eight-man rotation on a nightly basis, but Magic coach Stan Van Gundy tends to use nine or 10 guys. As a result, it'll be another night of unusual rotations for the team and extended minutes for the players.
Orlando handled Detroit last night, 104-91, thanks to some splendid play from Bass, Carter, and Gortat. Whether it can maintain that level on the back end of a back-to-back remains, obviously, to be seen.