Brian Cook could miss rest of regular season

From the Sentinel's Brian Schmitz in Monday's Online Sentinel:

Orlando Magic forward Brian Cook could miss the rest of the regular season after sustaining a fractured right knuckle on his shooting hand after being hit by center Dwight Howard during Monday's practice.

General Manager Otis Smith said he expected Cook to be ready for the playoffs.

The Magic have eight games left in the regular season and could open the postseason as early as April 20.

Smith said Cook could be out anywhere from a week to 14 days, and will wear a soft cast. He will then be evaluated again.

Cook, who has backed up Rashard Lewis, was acquired in November from the L.A. Lakers. He is averaging 4.5 points and 2.1 rebounds per game for a team already short on big men.

"I think you have to worry about him missing the regular season, but he should be ready for the playoffs." Smith said.

Smith said the Magic could see Tony Battie for the playoffs, providing he can play a game or two in the regular season. Battie, recovering from surgery in October on his left rotator cuff, has been working out on his own, but has yet to have contact.

"I want to see him play a regular-season game," Smith said. "He has to play."

Point guard Jameer Nelson, who sat out last Friday's game in Milwaukee after receiving a jaw bruise and concussion-like symptoms two days earlier, is expected to start Tuesday night when the Magic face the New Orleans Hornets.