In Stan Van Gundy’s first year as head coach in 2007-08, the Orlando Magic went 52-30, the best single-season mark since winning 60 games under Brian Hill in 1995-96. Two weeks ago, when the Magic lost point guard Jameer Nelson with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, they were on course for 63 wins.

Sixty wins may be beyond reach now. The 38-13 Magic have split four games since losing Nelson, who was having a career year in his fifth NBA campaign. The 27-year-old Nelson was averaging a career-high 16.7 points per game and shooting better than 50 percent from the field (.503) for the first time in his five seasons.

Nelson was part of a balanced attack, as four Orlando players are averaging more than 15 points a game, though Nelson has posted the highest averages among the regulars in assists per game (5.4), three-point shooting (.453), free-throw percentage (.887) and steals per game (1.2).

Nelson missed five games with a hip flexor injury in late November and early December. Since his return on Dec. 5, Nelson has averaged 17.9 points a game, and the Magic were on a 22-6 run when he was injured in a 105-95 loss to Dallas on Feb. 2. Orlando’s offensive performance has been down since he was injured.

Orlando Magic, Dec. 5-Feb. 2 & Since

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12/5-2/2. . . . . . . Since
Record. . . . . . . . . . . 22-6. . . . . . . . . .2-2
Points/Game. . . . . . . 104.2. . . . . . . . 100.3
Assists/Game. . . . . . . 20.7. . . . . . . . . 18.5

Field Goal Pct. . . . . . .467. . . . . . . . . .452
Three-Point Pct . . . . .435. . . . . . . . . .385
Free-Throw Pct . . . . .735. . . . . . . . . .669

Although it’s impossible to quantify the link between Orlando’s recent statistical dropoff and losing Nelson, undoubtedly the Magic will miss him. They have a comfortable lead in the Southeast Division and may hold on to claim the title, but they will be compromised by Nelson’s absence when they play the NBA’s best in the playoffs.