Magic suspends Francis indefinitely

The organization did not provide an explanation for the suspension nor said how long it would last. Francis will sit out at least Friday’s game at Portland when the Magic continue their west coast trip.

Francis is in the midst of one of the worst seasons of his seven-year career. The three-time All-Star is averaging 16.8 points and a career-low 5.5 assists per game, while his 3.43 turnovers per contest is the third-most in the league.

The former second overall pick has averaged just 11.5 points since January 3 and has committed 24 turnovers over his last four games.

Francis scored at a rate of 21.3 points per game with the Magic a year ago, his first with Orlando since coming over from Houston in the Tracy McGrady trade. His 7.0 assists per game in 2004-05 was a career-high.

The Magic may be without another of their players on Friday. Guard Keyon Dooling faces a possible suspension from the NBA after fighting with Seattle’s Ray Allen in Wednesday’s 113-104 loss to the SuperSonics. Both men were ejected for the scuffle.