<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Keyon Dooling has faced this fork in the road before, knowing some teams splinter quickly after early adversity. Dooling could be pressed into the starting lineup this week after guard DeShawn Stevenson injured his left knee in a physical practice Monday. Although it was initially diagnosed as a sprain, a MRI test later revealed some loose cartilage that eventually will require surgery. The Magic (3-6) return to action Wednesday at home against the Washington Wizards, intent upon rebounding from a painful loss to the unheralded New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. "I've been on good teams and bad teams in my career, and when things get tough like this, a team can go either way," Dooling said. "Some fragment, guys all going in different directions. Other teams -- the good ones -- ride it out and turn it around. I think we'll be fine." Dooling, the Magic's only significant free-agent acquisition this summer, scored a career-high 22 points in Saturday night's loss, finally finding his rhythm after a bruised right heel slowed him for almost three weeks. Stevenson said Monday that he may postpone any surgery until after the season, hoping that rest and treatment will allow him to continue playing. If he struggles, the Magic have either Dooling, who can play both backcourt positions, or point guard Jameer Nelson, which would move Steve Francis to shooting guard. </div> http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/bask...ports-headlines This article also brings us up to date on some other key injuries: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Francis watched practice Monday from the sideline with Grant Hill because of a bruised chest sustained Saturday. Francis is expected back to practice today.</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Veteran guard/forward Stacey Augmon, who had hernia surgery this summer, has returned to practice and could be available by the end of the week. Hill, who also had hernia surgery Oct. 31, has begun light running and shooting, hoping to resume practicing in 10 days to two weeks. </div> We have been haunted by injuries this season and that has been our biggest problem. With key players like Hill, Dooling and Cato all missing time due to medical reasons, it has been a tough way to start the season. With Cato and Dooling back and Hill expected to return soon, hopefully we can start winning some games again and make a stride toward the postseason.
