Jameer Nelson's knee will be tested in 1st of 4 back-to-backs

The Magic play the first of four consecutive back-to-backs tonight, an ordeal that might test starting PG Jameer Nelson's left knee.

Nelson's practice time has been limited since he returned four games ago after missing 16 games following Nov. 18 knee surgery.

He said he began experiencing swelling in the knee after the Boston game on Christmas Day. Nelson played 32 minutes in the loss to the Celtics after playing 14 and 29 the two previous games. He participated in about half the practice on Monday and Tuesday, much to coach Stan Van Gundy's frustration.

He scored just four points on 1-of-7 shooting in 23 minutes in the victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. Backup Jason Williams came off the bench to score 16 points and added seven assists.

Williams could re-emerge as a factor. Nelson has yet to play in a back-to-back since his return.

The Magic open a three-game road trip tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves, then play the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.

Grateful Bass

Little-used PF Brandon Bass counts his blessings each time he makes it onto the court.

Bass was called upon by Van Gundy against the Bucks, playing 16 minutes --- the most for him in five games --- and scored four points. He has played in only 20 games, missing one with the flu.

"Basketball is my life; that's what makes it so hard," Bass said. "But I'm giving it my all every time I get out there. It's been tough, I won't lie. Toughest thing I've ever had to go through, but the veteran guys have really helped me, encouraging me."

Unbeknownst to Bass, Van Gundy said he was planning to use Bass against Bucks forward Hakim Warrick, hoping he could use his quickness to defend Warrick.

Layups

Van Gundy's decision to use Bass meant that PF Ryan Anderson wound up being the odd man out against Milwaukee. It was the second game of the season that Anderson was confined to the bench. . . .

The Magic are 7-1 in games following a loss. Orlando's only back-to-back losses this season came at Utah and Phoenix. . . .

The Magic's next home game is Wednesday against Hedo Turkoglu and the Raptors, which closes out the four-game series against Toronto. Orlando has won all three games.