Drew

Gooden

Gooden admitted that he is not healthy enough to be playing. He sat out practice on Tuesday and will be given extra rest until the playoffs start.

LeBron James led the team with eight boards, prompting him to say “we can’t win if I lead the team in rebounding.” Also speaking about the fact they were outrebounded 51-37 by the Bucks, coach Paul Silas added “we can’t let this happen again. This is horrible.” While Gooden was not named in these quotes, it’s obvious that he is who the team is looking at for double-digit rebounding numbers each night. If these strong comments don’t help motivate him, it could be a long year.

The Magic are considering holding Gooden out until the playoffs.

For conditioning and timing purposes, Gooden is expected to play Monday against Atlanta. Gooden has averaged 13.6 points and 8.4 rebounds in 17 games for the Magic.

Gooden likely will play limited minutes. Tracy McGrady (ribs) and Pat Garrity (groin) will also see their minutes reduced.

Gooden had hoped to return for tonight’s game against his former Memphis teammates, but he won’t take the court and coach Doc Rivers isn’t sure when he will return, thinking Wednesday’s game is unlikely.

He’s been fantastic this season, but this last stretch is key because of how he played on the six-game road trip that preceded it. He’d averaged 13.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 24.7 minutes while the Cavs went 3-3, and coach Paul Silas was not happy with Gooden’s focus, defense or shot selection. There were even rumblings that Anderson Varejao would step into the starting lineup. Silas met with Gooden, who since then is back to his high level of play.

Gooden’s season average is 9.6, and coach Paul Silas indicated he’s concerned. It’s probably just a minor blip, but Gooden can’t afford to slump unless he wants to lose minutes to Anderson Varejao.

The team wants both players on the court together, so it will probably be Howard playing center and small forward some of the time. ''Players who have a set position are limited,’' Howard said. I feel with my game I can do whatever the team asks me to do. I’ve done it all my whole career and I can do that here.’'

Gooden’s sprain is considered mild. He should be fine.