Magic Coach Doc Rivers began the preseason saying that three starting spots -- point guard, power forward and center -- were open. Only Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill were announced as starters.

Eleven days before the season opener, the probable opening-night lineup is becoming easier to decipher. Rivers has seen enough of point guard Jacque Vaughn to carry on with the idea of starting Vaughn and bringing Darrell Armstrong off the bench. Hill will not start the season as a point forward, and forward Mike Miller will remain in a sixth-man role.

Vaughn has missed 13 of 18 shots in four preseason games, but Rivers said he is confident that Vaughn can make the open shot. Vaughn, who played in Atlanta last season, missed his first 22 field-goal attempts to start the 2001-02 season. His defensive intensity, hustle and ability to run the offense are unquestioned.

"He doesn't shoot it bad," Rivers said. "Fans remember the first five games last year. They look at that, and I bet they thought he shot poorly. Well, he was third in three-point percentage (44 percent).

"It's misleading because he didn't have a lot of attempts. But we're not asking him to take 20-25 shots. If he takes five, six, 10 shots a game and hits a good percentage, that's fine."

Pat Garrity likely will be the starter at power forward. Rivers likes the way his shooting ability opens the floor for Hill and McGrady.

"He's making a case that he's not going to allow anybody to overtake him," Rivers said of Garrity, who started 43 games last season.

Because no one has starred in the post, Horace Grant is expected to start there again. If Grant is limited by left knee problems, Shawn Kemp could start.

So far so good

Eighteen days into preparation for the season, Rivers likes where his team is right now. Only Grant and Steven Hunter (torn right anterior cruciate ligament) have missed significant time. The health and focus of the team has him optimistic.

"We're right where we want to be," Rivers said. "I can feel the confidence. I can feel the momentum."

Burke taking his shot

Forward/center Pat Burke, who is trying to earn a roster spot, wants to make it in the NBA after playing five years overseas. He has turned down guaranteed contracts from New York, Chicago and Cleveland in the past because he had more lucrative offers overseas.

Now he has 6-month-old twins. Burke wants to stay at his Mount Dora home and not make his family travel.

"I'd love for them to be here in the States," Burke said. "The last five years I've missed out on family and friends."

DeVos to attend

Owner Rich DeVos is expected to be at the Magic's next home exhibition game, which is Tuesday against Memphis.

If his schedule works out the way he'd like, DeVos will participate in the meet-and-greet session the players have with fans who enter TD Waterhouse Centre.