"Magic PG Jameer Nelson and G-F Quentin Richardson could return Wednesday night in Atlanta against the Hawks, but the club still has no target date for SG J.J. Redick.

"That one's a little more problematic," coach Stan Van Gundy said of Redick, who missed his ninth game Monday night in New York because of an abdominal strain. "It's not coming around like we had hoped.

"… It's not great where it is now. We'll see where it goes. Hopefully, we can get him back soon. Right now, it's not as hopeful as it is with Jameer and Q."

Magic General Manager Otis Smith said he had no crystal ball regarding Redick's return, but said he would be "shocked" if Nelson didn't play in Atlanta.

As expected, Van Gundy started Gilbert Arenas in Nelson's place, with former Knick Chris Duhon backing up Arenas.

Nelson sustained a sprained knee against the New Jersey Nets last Friday night and was held out of Sunday's practice.

Nelson didn't make a commitment to play against the Hawks, but said, "I'm all right. I haven't done anything yet on the court, haven't tested it. …I don't know. We'll see."

Nelson said his injury could have been worse."