Miami (17-13) at Washington (12-15) 7:00 pm EST
WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- One night after they were unable to
conquer the mighty Detroit Pistons, the Miami Heat take aim
at an opponent in which they have enjoyed much more success.
The Heat attempt to beat the Washington Wizards for the 14th
consecutive time Friday when the teams hook up in a Southeast
Division battle.
Miami's streak over Washington includes a four-game sweep in the
Eastern Conference semifinals during last year's playoffs and
dates to April 11, 2003.
The Heat are coming off a hard-fought 106-101 loss to Detroit on
Thursday despite 33 points and nine assists from Dwyane Wade,
who made 14-of-20 shots from the field and 5-of-5 from the foul
line.
Shaquille O'Neal added 26 points and Jason Williams 20 for
Miami, which had won seven of its last nine games.
Washington hopes to rebound from Wednesday's 104-99 setback vs.
Phoenix that snapped the team's three-game winning streak.
Caron Butler, who played for the Heat for two seasons, continued
to flourish in the starting lineup as he scored a team-high 22
points.
Antawn Jamison contributed 19 points but was held to four
rebounds and Gilbert Arenas shot just 7-of-23 for 16 points as
the Wizards made just 3-of-15 3-pointers and committed 19
turnovers.
The Wizards also have lost six straight home games to the Heat
since an 89-82 triumph on March 15, 2003.





