But some much-needed help could be on the way for the Magic in the form of small forward Hedo Turkoglu.
Turkoglu, who hasn’t played since Opening Night after breaking a bone on the outside of his left hand, practiced without pain on Thursday, traveled with the team to Washington, D.C. and could be available on Friday night when the Magic (12-16) face the Wizards (3-23).
Turkoglu will work out with the team at the Friday morning shootaround and then get up more shots about 90 minutes before the game. If he’s cleared by the Magic’s Athletic Trainer, he’ll likely play controlled minutes off the bench.
``I feel good today and lately I have been practicing with the team. Every day there’s progress and my conditioning is coming back, so hopefully I will play soon,’’ Turkog;lu said. ``I don’t really have when I’m going to play, but it’s coming soon. I can’t really say a date when I will come back, but every day I’m working with the coaches and doing extra conditioning. Hopefully soon I’ll be ready and I’ll join the team.’’
The Magic’s choppy play of late could hasten Turkoglu’s return. A four-game winning streak by the Magic a week ago has been followed up by a disappointing three-game losing skid. All three defeats have come after Orlando lost power forward and emotional leader Glen ``Big Baby’’ Davis to a sprained shoulder. The injury occurred a week ago late in a win against Washington.
Davis, who is going through intensive rehabilitation on a daily basis, is likely out another three weeks, so Magic guard J.J. Redick said it’s on the team now to figure out a way to win without their fiery power forward. Redick said the power of winning would be so beneficial to the Magic right now in a variety of ways.
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