Magic’s Status Uncertain for Tonight

Magic Johnson was not seriously hurt in the U.S. basketball team’s victory over Croatia on Monday, but it is uncertain whether he will be ready to play against Germany tonight.

Johnson has a strained hamstring near his right knee, but there is no tear.

Laker physician Stephen Lombardo, who also is on the Olympic medical staff, said Monday: “The magnitude of the injury is difficult to say for 48 hours. We’ll get a little better read on the severity of it (today). We’ll look for swelling and discomfort. Right now, he’s elevating it. We’ve given him some anti-inflammatory medicine.”

Johnson was hurt in the first half on a drive to the basket. He stopped, pushed off, and said he felt a pop.

It seems doubtful that Johnson will be able to play tonight, but Lombardo said: “He’s a great patient and he has a high threshold for pain. If there’s any way he can play, he will play.”

With point guard John Stockton also sidelined, Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan will share the playmaking duties.