McGrady May Miss Preseason

Orlando Magic all-star guard Tracy McGrady might miss the rest of the exhibition season because of a lower back strain.

McGrady, 22, had minor trouble with his back last season, and it flared up again this summer.

Meanwhile, Dee Brown, who retired in August, was named as a special assistant to the Magic.

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Philadelphia 76er guard Eric Snow will undergo surgery in the left thumb he broke Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs, the team said. No timetable was given for his return.

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Michael Jordan returned to practice with the Washington Wizards, a day after missing a scrimmage because of a strained left foot.

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Phoenix Sun swingman Dan Majerle will miss two-to-four weeks following surgery to repair a broken finger on his right hand. ... Denver Nugget swingman Calbert Cheaney will be out four-to-six weeks after spraining his left knee in an exhibition game. ... Veteran center Jim McIlvaine was waived by the New Jersey Nets. ... Bill Walton and Steve Jones will succeed Doug Collins and join Marv Albert as NBC’s lead NBA broadcast team this season. Collins left to coach the Washington Wizards.