Report: Nelson unlikely to play in Game 1
Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson may be in uniform for Game 1 of the NBA Finals Thursday night, but the chances of him actually playing appear slim.
Nelson, barring a last-second change of heart from the team, is not expected to play in the Finals opener, the Orlando Sentinel reported on its Web site Thursday. The chances of Nelson playing later in the series is also slim, according to the report.
The Sentinel's report comes just two days after Nelson practiced with the team and Magic players said publicly they thought Nelson would play in the series.
"He was terrific," forward Mickael Pietrus said. "Hopefully, he will play and can help us win."
Nelson was also lobbying for a chance to play.
"I'm not saying I'm any tougher or stronger than anybody, but I've been known to do some amazing things sometimes," he said Tuesday.