Nelson injury tests the master plan

Orlando's season suffered another hiccup when Jameer Nelson went to the floor, hunched over to keep his shoulder from moving. The early diagnosis is a separated shoulder and he will be having an MRI today to learn the full extent of the injury.

But this is a big hit to the Magic's season.

Nelson was playing like an All Star and has been a steadying force for Orlando. His play has made the team transcend its solid, but not great status and become a team that can realistically win the title. How long he is out will have an impact on the NBA Playoff landscape.

Don't expect the Magic to fall out of the Southeast Division lead, but expect some slipping.

Orlando has played without Nelson before this season. Anthony Johnson did a serviceable job as the team went 3-1 (the loss to the Celtics and three to losing teams). But if Nelson is out for an extended period of time (the Orlando Sentinel says the injury could be out three to 12 weeks), then the Magic need to find a third point guard to help out.

Courtney Lee could do a serviceable job. But expect Orlando to get more active in the trade market or try to find a point guard in free agency.

Otis Smith made the decision to let Carlos Arroyo and Keyon Dooling walk. Nelson and the team lost their security blanket at the point. It turned out to be a good decision.

That is until Nelson, who has had a history of injuries, got hurt. Now Smith's decision-making is going to be tested. And I think Orlando needs to find a way to bring in someone to help out at the point in a more permanent manner.

We all knew Anthony Johnson was a good backup and spot starter. If he is starting for the next month, the Magic might struggle a little bit and fall behind in the race for home court in the Eastern Conference.