Magic GM Otis Smith said before Saturday night's game that there's a chance that injured power forward Tony Battie could return for the playoffs.

Battie sustained a torn rotator cuff before training camp, and the Magic were granted an injury exception that they used in the trade with the Los Angeles Lakers that sent Trevor Ariza to L.A. for guard Maurice Evans and forward Brian Cook.

The NBA determined, through its doctors and Battie's doctors, that Battie could miss the season with his injury. However, nothing prevents a player from coming back at some point. Alonzo Mourning and Sean Elliott, who received kidney transplants, both did it after their teams were granted the exception.

Via Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets