Orlando Magic Expect Jameer Nelson to Return Monday Night Against Utah

This week, Magic fans may get to see something they haven't gotten to see all season. The Orlando Magic will possibly play a full game with a complete roster.

Out since mid-November with a torn miniscus in his left knee, Jameer Nelson looks ready to return on Monday night to face the Utah Jazz.

Coach Stan Van Gundy will play it safe with Nelson, bringing him off the bench behind Jason Williams. This will push Anthony Johnson back to the reserve spot.

Both Williams and Johnson have served well in place of Nelson, but with both in their mid-30s, there has been a bit of a drop-off. One of the main drawbacks has been the lack of speed.

Though it may take Nelson a few games to get back to full speed himself, he should provide a boost to the point guard position for the Magic.

When Jameer came back from shoulder surgery to play in last season's NBA Finals, he looked out of rhythm and never seemed to play as well as he is capable of playing.

With less urgency, the Magic can ease Nelson back into the role of court general at his own pace.

When Nelson suffered the injury on Nov. 16, the game also marked the return of Rashard Lewis from a 10-game suspension after failing a test for a banned substance. Lewis returned to action only to see Nelson go down for over a month.

The Magic are hopeful that Jameer Nelson will be back in the starting lineup for the Christmas Day matchup with the Boston Celtics on Friday.