Jerry Brewer of the Orlando Sentinel reports: The Orlando Magic have lost three of four games over the past five days but that is not what is the main concern in the minds of the magic and it's fans.

Last night, after playing nine minutes in the first quarter and scoring two points in Orlando's 98-84 loss against the Portland TrailBlazers, forward Grant Hill left the game with soreness in his left ankle.

For the third straight time, Hill could not make it through the second of back-to-back games. He played well in the second game of the Magic's first back-to-back set in October but has not fared well since. It is a frustrating trend for Hill.

"It's been crazy, man," Hill said. "On one hand, the bone, the fracture, is healed. I'm not having any problems with that. It's the best news in the world. Everything but the ankle bone is sore."

Hill is having problems with a tendon in the ankle that is located closer to the back of his heel. The Magic believe he may be suffering from tendinitis because of the trauma of the regular season. Hill's left ankle is noticeably bigger than his right one because of extra calcium, and that puts a strain on the ligaments and tendons in the ankle.

As the season progresses, Hill is having more trouble getting loose for consecutive days of basketball. Still, all X-rays show the bone is together.

"I feel the rough patches are behind me," Hill said. "I'm just getting used to playing in NBA games. I am frustrated, but I have to also understand it's a long season. But it kills me not to play."

He has missed significant time in two of the past three games. Hill did not play in a 101-99 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. During this trip, in which the Magic have played five games in seven nights, Hill has been less aggressive.

The Magic (7-6) play the final game of their six-game roadtrip at Indiana on friday night.

Hill is expected to start the game. So far, he hasn't had problems with the ankle after a day of rest.