Jameer

Nelson

When Steve Francis needs a breather, Nelson will come in and try to up the tempo. They’ll also sometimes use Francis and Nelson together, allowing Francis to come off picks and shoot more, while Nelson will be asked to run the offense and push the ball. The Magic believe they got the steal of the draft with the NCAA Player of the Year going at No. 20.

Nelson has averaged almost 14 points a game in the past three outings. He has hit 18 of his past 33 shots, finding his jump shot, and played aggressive defense. Coach Johnny Davis has confidence in Nelson, playing him for 31, 24 and 23 minutes the past three games. In the three games before that, Nelson played a total of 13 minutes. He’s not someone to pick up in fantasy leagues.

The veteran guard played in 50 games last season and is hoping to get one last chance in the NBA. Even if he does get that chance, he’ll be an afterthought in fantasy hoops.

If you used Duhon in a spot-start we’d call this line a win, so remember that the next time Nelson goes out and Duhon gets the nod.

Turkoglu took over primary ball-handling duties with Jameer Nelson (knee) resting, and he has proven enough to be worth owning throughout the break. We’ll be paying particularly close attention to how he splits those duties going forward with Nelson.

Nelson also tweaked an ankle mid-way through the game but it wasn’t a huge deal. Hedo Turkoglu scored 11 points with three rebounds and three assists, and we’re seeing a shift of PG duties back toward Nelson. Plan accordingly.

Nelson participated in a full practice on Tuesday and did not suffer any setback. Chris Duhon will be sent back to the bench with Nelson back in the starting lineup.

There’s nothing to analyze here other than to highlight how a team forcing Howard to beat them one-on-one, focusing on the declining surrounding cast instead, is usually going to win if they’re any good. Jameer Nelson scored nine points with just one assist, Jason Richardson hit 1-of-7 shots for two points, Ryan Anderson hit two threes for 10 points with five boards, and Hedo Turkoglu scored seven points with four rebounds, a steal, and an assist in the loss.

Nelson is feeling it without Dwight Howard around, averaging 17 points, six assists and two 3-pointers per game over his last five.

He had just nine points and one assists in his last game, but was playing very well before that one. That was a blowout against the Bulls, while tonight’s game was an easy win for the Magic. Let’s blame the lopsided scores on his ineffectiveness, but if he does it again on Saturday against the Raptors.