Doc Rivers has waited for three years to unveil his "Big Three" lineup of Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill and Mike Miller on the rest of the NBA. Wednesday, he decided he and the Orlando Magic had waited long enough.

With Hill well enough to be back in the lineup Wednesday night and Miller coming off a career-best night, the trio of 6-foot-8 swingmen made their first start together. Veteran Darrell Armstrong moved to the bench, exactly the role Rivers wants his high-energy point guard to play from here on out.

The plan had to be put on hold the past two seasons when Hill missed 146 of 164 games because of a fracture in his left ankle. Hill has been in and out of the lineup again this season because of tendinitis in the ankle. Rivers wanted to wait until Hill had his timing down before switching him to a point-forward position.

"If we waited until everybody was totally ready for it we'd be waiting all season," Rivers said. "So the first chance I got I was just gonna force it out there. It might look ugly some at the beginning, but I like it. Because we wasted training camp, the preseason and the beginning of the season, I've got to try and force the issue on this now. It'll be all right."

Rivers also wants Horace Grant to join Shawn Kemp along the starting frontline. Grant, who has played just one game after having offseason knee surgery, is hoping to return for Monday's home game against Boston.

Feasting at Shaq's: Shaquille O'Neal might have left the Orlando Magic seven seasons ago for Los Angeles, but he still considers Orlando home. Today, he'll have the entire Lakers team at his massive Isleworth mansion for Thanksgiving dinner.
The Lakers will then depart for Friday night's game in Memphis.

"It feels good to be home, but right now I'm thinking more about getting my team back on track," O'Neal said. "I'm still trying to get my touch back after (Tuesday's loss in Miami). That was ugly, so I've got to keep working."

Los Angeles started the season 3-9 as O'Neal missed the first 12 games following surgery on his arthritic big toe. O'Neal has played well in limited minutes since returning, but is still a ways away from his usual dominating self.

Asked if he was close to 100 percent physically, O'Neal said: "No, not even close. But it'll come."

O'Neal has spoken lately of his dream of having his number retired in both Orlando and Los Angeles. He played in Orlando for four seasons and is in his seventh season with the Lakers. He holds Magic franchise records for points in a season (2,377), game (53) and half (34) and is the all-time leading rebounder (3,691).

"If it happens, it happens," he said Wednesday. "But if it doesn't I'll understand."

Superstar showdown: One of the greatest debates in the NBA these days seems to be the comparisons between Orlando's Tracy McGrady and Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant. The two All-Stars -- separated in age by just nine months -- are both dynamic, swingmen capable of taking over games from the perimeter or by posting smaller guards.
ESPN.com featured a poll Wednesday for fans to decide which is the better player. The voting was broken down into 10 categories and, not surprisingly, each player won five categories. McGrady had the advantage in rebounding, versatility, team play, leadership and potential. Bryant held the advantage in shooting, defense, ball-handling, clutch play and overall talent.

The two opened the game guarding each other and McGrady got the best of Bryant in the first quarter, outscoring him 11-4 in the first period. The two had an interesting exchange in the second quarter when McGrady caused Bryant to fall to the floor with a dazzling spin move. Bryant then responded by beating McGrady off the dribble and dunking. He was whistled for a technical foul when he hung on the rim.

"Every time I face him, I try to bring my A-game," McGrady said of Bryant. "We're two guys who have a deep passion for the game. We compete every night. I don't know who is better. All I want is his (championship) rings."

Etc.: Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp and wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson were in attendance Wednesday night. Sapp, a native of Apopka, was wearing an O'Neal jersey from his playing days with the Magic and spoke with O'Neal at halftime. Johnson, a Los Angeles native, was dressed in Lakers gear. . . . Wednesday's attendance of 17,283 was the most in Magic history. Thirty-five seats were added to the TD Waterhouse Centre in the summer, allowing for the new record. . . . Magic players Pat Burke and Ryan Humphrey will be serving food to the residents of the Coalition for the Homeless today in Orlando. Armstrong passed out turkey dinners to senior citizens earlier this week.