Jameer Nelson Injury: Updates on Magic Star's Groin

Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson is finally ready to get back on the court against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. The 30-year-old missed the team's last six games (five of them resulting in a loss) due to groin and hamstring issues.

UPDATE: Friday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m. ET by Mike Hoag

Nelson will be available and will start for the Magic for tonight's game against the Detroit Pistons, according to John Denton, a OrlandoMagic.com writer (via Twitter).

"

#Magic WILL have Jameer Nelson in the starting lineup tonight vs. #Pistons. Nelson missed last 6 games with groin strain. EMoore off bench.

— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) November 16, 2012"

The team has lost its last five games in his absence. A return of Nelson and a matchup against a "slump buster" like the Pistons is an ideal situation for a team desperately needing to get back into the win column.

---End of Update---
 

The Magic tweeted out this news:

"

The Magic's @jameernelson will not play tonight. Team choosing to rest him to give him three more days to get healthy. #TweetMagic

— Orlando Magic (@Orlando_Magic) November 13, 2012"

The Magic host the New York Knicks on Tuesday, and then they do not play again until Friday when they travel to take on the Detroit Pistons. 

Given the fact that it was in consideration that Nelson would play on Tuesday, it is likely he will be back on the court for Friday's game, and the Magic can definitely use him. 

Nelson has played in just one game this season, and Orlando easily handled the Denver Nuggets in that contest. They then won the next game, without Nelson, but have since lost four straight as they have slumped to a 2-4 record. 

Without Nelson to run the point in those losses, the Magic's offense has been in shambles, and they have averaged just 77.5 points per game in that stretch. This team desperately needs Nelson's shooting and his ball distribution ability. 

And while the Magic would undoubtedly like to get him back on the court as quickly as possible, it is a smart move to keep him on the shelf for one more game. Groin and hamstring injuries are easily re-aggravated if they are not fully healed.

There is no sense in the Magic pushing Nelson back and risk losing him for an even longer period this early in the season.

Now, he just misses one more game and earns three more days of healing time.