Magic's Vucevic remains out with back sprain vs. Wizards

Nikola Vucevic continues to be sidelined with a sprained back, as the Orlando Magic announced their starting center will miss a fifth straight game Wednesday against the Washington Wizards.

Vucevic said Tuesday he considers himself day-to-day, so perhaps there's hope for a return Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.

Vucevic is averaging 18.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks through 19 games this season. The Magic currently sit 9-14 and improbably find themselves in the thick of the early-season playoff race thanks to the futility of the Eastern Conference.