Magic Loses McGrady Too

Orlando Magic guard Tracy McGrady will sit out at least three games after having his back examined in Atlanta on Wednesday.

McGrady, the NBA’s fifth-leading scorer, strained his lower back Sunday at Seattle. During the exhibition season, a similar strain sidelined him for four games.

McGrady’s ailment is another setback for Orlando. Forward Grant Hill had season-ending ankle surgery Wednesday to remove bone spurs.

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Point guard Terrell Brandon of the Minnesota Timberwolves will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee today to remove loose cartilage or bone fragments.

No timetable was given for his return.

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Latino business leaders accepted Denver Nugget Coach Dan Issel’s apology for an insensitive ethnic remark on Dec. 11, and the two sides agreed to work together to benefit the community.

During a luncheon meeting at a Denver restaurant, Issel apologized, saying, “That was not me making those remarks. That is not the person I am and I will spend the rest of my life proving to this community that that is the case.”

Issel was suspended by the Nuggets for four games over the remarks to a Nugget fan.

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Toronto center Hakeem Olajuwon sat out the Raptors’ game at Indiana on Wednesday because of a swollen toe on his left foot.