Nelson is playing it coy

There’s at least one guy who fully expects All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson to play for the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals.

And that’s Anthony Johnson -- the point guard whom Nelson probably would be replacing off the bench in the rotation.

“I’m pretty sure he’s going to be given the benefit of the doubt. I expect him to be out there sometime during the series,” said Johnson, the veteran who has been backing up starter Rafer Alston.

“You got to play the guys who give you the best chance to win.”

Nelson participated in his first formal practice Tuesday, his first significant action in exactly four months after injuring his right shoulder Feb. 2 against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Nelson saga still remains something of a mystery.

The Magic flew to Los Angeles later in the afternoon to begin preparations to face the Lakers.

Although Nelson participated in a full-out scrimmage with mostly second-team players, Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy said he still was undecided on whether he’ll play Nelson in Game 1 at Staples Center on Thursday night -- or in the series at all.

Van Gundy said he would make a call after today’s practice in L.A. “Jameer was OK. We did go up and down. We’ll have to see,” he said.

Van Gundy said that if Nelson did play, he would not start. The coach largely has to determine the trickle-down effect on his team in general, and Johnson and Alston in particular.

Johnson said he would support any move the Magic makes.

Nelson, who was named to the All-Star team before his injury, is at least two months ahead of schedule on his projected recovery from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder Feb. 19. He stepped up his workouts three weeks ago.

Nelson remained coy on the matter. In one breath, he said he “definitely” did not expect to play. In the next, he was saying how confident he was about taking hits to his shoulder.

“In terms of playing time, that’s up to Coach. I don’t know. I’m honestly working out. I’m happy to be where I’m at right now,” he said. “I’m definitely not expecting to play.”

Asked about taking contact in a game with playoff intensity, Nelson said, “Of course I can. I don’t see why I couldn’t. I’m definitely confident in terms of going to the hole and taking hits. I’ve been taking hits the last couple weeks.”

Nelson said he felt OK after the scrimmage, adding, “My rhythm, my timing’s off a little bit. But for the most part, it’s just basketball. You go out and play your hardest and give it your all. The thing is, I’m a competitor. I want to play. Right now, I’m doing everything my shoulder and my team allows me to do.”

The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant said that if Nelson returns to play, “He gives them another scorer and person that can create and put the defense in jeopardy.”

And Lakers forward Trevor Ariza said of Nelson, “Even being hurt, I think he’s still one of the leaders on the team. I know he wants to play. I’ve been in the same situation so I’m sure he’s trying to do everything he can to, if he’s able to come back, make himself able to play.”

His teammates sound as if Nelson will be back on the floor. “I’m not 100% sure, but I think Coach will use him,” forward Rashard Lewis said. “I don’t know for how long he can play, but he can help us win.”

Times staff writer Mark Medina contributed to this report.

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bschmitz@orlandosentinel.com