By John Denton Dec. 12, 2013
ORLANDO – All Orlando Magic coach Jacque Vaughn wants for Christmas is for his entire team to be whole again and to stay that way for an extended period of time.
``I’m going to ask Santa for that for Christmas,’’ Vaughn joked. ``We haven’t even reached the 25th (of December) yet, but I am going to ask Santa for that.’’
Vaughn could be about to get his Christmas wish early what with talented combo forward Tobias Harris returning to practice on Thursday and possible to play Friday when the Magic (7-15) host the Cleveland Cavaliers (8-13). Harris is hoping that after two-plus weeks of strengthening and conditioning work that he will be fully ready to go when the Magic hit the court Friday at 7 p.m.
``I’m close (physically). Hopefully after (Thursday’s) practice if everything is all right, I see myself playing in tomorrow’s game,’’ Harris said confidently. ``I think that’s a good step for me and a good sign. (Thursday’s practice) is to just make sure that the ankle is fully healed and make sure the muscles around (the ankle) continue to get stronger and just not rush this process. If it reacts well after today’s practice, then I think it will be OK to say that I will be out there in the game tomorrow.’’
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