Fournier in a bit of a funk

Shooting a basketball well requires rhythm.

is trying to regain that rhythm.

In Wednesday’s loss to the Houston Rockets, he missed some good looks early and finished the night 2 of 11 from the field.

Over the Magic’s last two games, he’s 6 of 26 from the field, including 0 of 9 from beyond the arc.

“I’m not second-guessing myself or anything,” Fournier said. “I’m fine. I just need to get a good look and knock it down. I’ll be fine.”

There’s not a player in the league who doesn’t endure at least one rough stretch over the course of a season.

But the Magic’s injury issues magnify Fournier’s mini-slump. The absences of

and mean everyone else must be sharper than usual. And even more is needed from Fournier, who ranks second on the team in scoring, averaging 17.9 points per game.

Having Vucevic out hurts Fournier’s game.

Teammates have assisted on 127 of Fournier’s 200 baskets this season, and Vucevic assisted on 26 of those 127 baskets, according to the NBA’s statistics database.

In other words: Take Vucevic out of the equation, and it’s more difficult for Fournier to operate.

“Definitely,” Fournier said. “We have very good chemistry. It’s no secret. No more two-man game.”

That’s not to say Fournier cannot succeed without Vucevic. Over the first three games that Vucevic missed due to a fractured hand, Fournier made 20 of his 40 shot attempts.

Already without Vucevic, Ross and Isaac, the Magic also could be without when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Amway Center

Simmons missed practice Thursday and Friday because of back spasms.

Coach said Simmons’ availability will be determined on a “day-to-day” basis. Team officials have listed Simmons as “questionable” to play against the Cavs.

acquired from the Boston Celtics in a blockbuster offseason trade for

is expected to make his first start for the Cavaliers tonight.

Thomas made his Cavs debut Tuesday following a lengthy recovery from hip surgery.

“He’s arguably the toughest point guard to cover,” Vogel said. “He’s something else. He’s lights-out. He can really score the ball. If you breathe on him, he’s great at drawing fouls. He’s got that burst to the basket out of the pick-and-roll game if you close out too hot to him. And he’s an unbelievable decisionmaker and passer [with] the way he finds seams, whether it’s kicking out to a shooter or finding a cutter or throwing a lob to somebody rolling to the basket. He really has it all. He’s one of the most impressive point guards in the league and one of the most difficult to cover for. I’m a big fan.”

Vogel said the team’s practice Friday helped restore his players’ confidence following their 23rd loss in 27 games.

“The guys really had a spirited practice,” Vogel said. “The ball moved well, and guys were making shots. You need that when you’re struggling a little bit. You’ve got to feel all those things.”