ORLANDO, Fla. — Magic forward Matt Barnes has missed practice because of back spasms but expects to start in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against Boston.
Barnes said after Saturday's practice that he feels pain in the lower-left side of his back. The injury recently flared up after first occurring in Game 3 of the Magic's second-round sweep of Atlanta.
Orlando's defensive stopper is expected to switch off Paul Pierce and guard Boston's Ray Allen in Sunday's opener. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy had announced those plans before Barnes was injured, saying Barnes was better suited to chase Allen on the perimeter.
Barnes plans to arrive to the arena early to receive treatment on his back.