My Player (Season 3) Returning from Injury - Hapshoops32's Dynasty

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My Player (Season 3) Returning from Injury

Posted on February 20, 2011 at 05:48 PM.

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HAPPEL CLEARED TO PLAY, READY FOR SAN ANTONIO

Orlando, FL (AP) - Christmas came a little early for Magic fans. Small Forward Brian Happel was cleared to return to action and should be ready to go for Orlando's next game at San Antonio on Wednesday night. "I'm excited to be back," Happel said after his first practice back since twisting his ankle December 3 against Minnesota, "It's been hard watching from the sidelines. But, my teammates have really stepped up, and that's been fun to watch. We are a better team because of this, we've really rallied around each other."

Happel is hoping to be back to his old tricks as he returns to action against the Spurs

Asked after practice if he was worried about the ankle, he dismissed those concerns right away, "It feels great. I was able to get off the ground and make good, hard cuts during drills, and I really tested it during our scrimmages, I'm definitely ready to go."

Orlando clearly struggled at times without Happel in the lineup, though they did play better than .500 basketball. With Happel, the Magic were 16-2. During his time off the court, Orlando was 5-4. They did well enough to maintain their first place position in both the Southeast Division and the Eastern Conference. However, Happel's abscense was noticeable:

Happel Injury Comparison Stats - 2012-13
Player	W-L	PCT.	PPG	RPG	FG%	3PT%
With Happel	16-2	.889	103.9	50.6	50.2%	29.6%
Without Happel	5-4	.556	93.1	43.1	45.6%	32.4%
Difference	N/A	-.333	-10.8	-7.5	-4.6%	+2.8%

The biggest difference without Happel in the lineup has been the points Orlando has been scoring. There was nearly an 11 point dropoff while happel was injured. Rebounds per game and field goal shooting were also significantly down. But, that will hopefully all change as Happel steps back on the court Wednesday night. He'll certainly be tested right away. Staring with Wednesday's game at San Antonio, Happel and the Magic will play 5 games in 7 nights, including 3 on the road.