Britton

Johnsen

Both players could be in tonight’s lineup. Johnsen was a surprise starter as a rookie with Orlando last season before being let go after 20 games.

Johnsen, 6-10 and 210 pounds, gets a shot because of Pat Garrity’s rehab from knee surgery. He was the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year as a junior at Utah, but his senior season was handicapped by a broken hand and a case of mononucleosis. Johnsen has averaged 5.8 points and 3.7 rebounds this preseason. He won’t have much fantasy value despite the nice story. His success means 2001 first-rounder Jeryl Sasser is likely to be cut.

The Magic are being outrebounded despite the efforts of Juwan Howard and Drew Gooden. Either Steven Hunter or Donnell Harvey will take Johnsen’s place in the starting lineup. The team still likes Johnsen, but the undrafted rookie will be used as a reserve.

The Magic will have three games left once Johnsen’s second 10-day contract expires. Coach Johnny Davis said he didn’t know whether Johnsen would be signed the rest of the season.

Coach Johnny Davis said the Magic are likely done bringing in new players this season.

Johnsen was the surprise of the Magic camp as an undrafted rookie but was let go in November.

Johnsen’s second 10-day contract expires Tuesday, but with their injuries there’s not much reason for the Magic not to keep him the rest of the way.

He played well in the summer league for the Spurs, but elected to go for the guaranteed contract.