Karl Malone and John Stockton appear here this week, as do Michael Jordan and the Wizards. It's the odd couple and the odd coupling, but at least there's something to see and merchandise to move.

Anyway, you'll be able to revel in the past, if not the present, at TD Waterhouse Centre. Promoting visits from aging strangers is the surest tip-off that the home team is in distress.

At 12-14, the Magic aren't much to look at right now, even in soft lighting.

They have played only 26 games, but it seems like 66. The year already feels old, tired and torn around the borders.

Tracy McGrady has a sore back, probably caused by having to carry the franchise again. Darrell Armstrong, who plays like a free safety, is now hurting like one.

The star of the Magic's ER, Grant Hill, will know in a few days if he will undergo a third operation on his left ankle and possibly miss six weeks. The guess here: Grant undergoes one last, career-saving surgery.

Yes, career-saving. If three surgeries don't work, his NBA days are over, like a pitcher with a bad arm. Hill, all the Magic brass and five doctors didn't get together via a conference call Monday to discuss stretching exercises.