Nelson missed his seventh game of the season — one to neck spasms and the other five to concussion-like symptoms.
Nelson has had an up-and-down season averaging 9.3 points and 5.3 assists per game in 28 starts.
Chris Duhon will start in his place against the Hawks, who were missing PG Joe Johnson (knee tendinitis).
The Magic welcomed back SG Jason Richardson. Richardson, who missed the past three games because of a pain in his chest, started against Atlanta.
Richardson sat out Sunday afternoon’s game in Miami, complaining of chest pains, fearing at first that the pains were related to his heart. Doctors have told him he has a lung inflammation.
J-Rich cleared to play
Richardson warmed up before the game without difficulty and was cleared to play.
on the first play against the Hawks, Richardson grabbed a rebound and fed Dwight Howard for a dunk, then scored on a post move against Kirk Hinrich.
J-Rich was not only active, but well-rested and full of energy. he then knocked a loose ball off Hawks PF Josh Smith, diving into the stands.
Richardson had similar energy after missing three games while recovering from a bone bruise on his knee.
Van Gundy wants is players to take the all-star break to rest, although he can only make suggestions. “Every guy in there knows what’s best for him … don’t be out all night, eat right,” Van Gundy said.
but Van Gundy laughed, admitting that he also knows what’s best for his body but doesn’t follow his own advice. “It’s not like I don’t know cheeseburgers are bad for me,” he said.
Layups
Van Gundy said that PF Ryan Anderson has made strides defensively. “No question he’s gotten better defensively,” Van Gundy said. “He still has a long way to go.”
Van Gundy said he plans to visit with Fredi Gonzalez, manager of the Atlanta Braves, today at Disney’s Wide World of Sports, where the Braves are conducting spring training.
Atlanta C Zaza Pachulia, former Magic C, said before the game that he was headed to Orlando for the break, taking his family “to Disney World and the All-Star Game. a two-for-one,” he laughed.