Orlando Magic forward Grant Hill, who has missed the past 12 games, could play this weekend, according to Assistant General Manager Otis Smith.

Hill said he was "close, real close.''

The Magic face the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Orlando and the Celtics in Boston on Sunday.

Hill is in his second rehab stint since undergoing sports hernia surgery Oct. 31.

Smith said Hill, in all likelihood, would come off the bench when he returns, easing his body back into action.

"You have to monitor his time coming back,'' Smith said. "It's the only way right now. . . .

"You got to get the endurance muscle used to the grind.''