Miami (26-18) at Houston (15-27) 3:30 pm EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Miami Heat and Houston Rockets both were touted as preseason favorites to challenge the defending champion San Antonio Spurs in 2005-06. Each team has experienced varying degrees of difficulty in living up to those lofty expectations.

The shorthanded Heat hope to have injured star Dwyane Wade back in the starting lineup Sunday when they visit the Rockets, who know a thing or two about injuries.

Playing without Wade or starting point guard Jason Williams, Miami rode Shaquille O'Neal to a 91-85 triumph over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday.

Tabbed by many as the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Heat were coming off an embarrassing home loss to the Phoenix Suns and needed a big performance from O'Neal. The nine-time All-Star responded with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists as Miami erupted for 61 points in the second half.

Wade, who was sidelined Friday with a sprained ankle, is expected to return to the lineup Sunday, but the Heat may have to play their third straight game without Williams.

Miami's third leading scorer, Williams suffered a deep cut on his finger and is waiting for the stitches to heal. Veteran Gary Payton has averaged nine points and eight assists while filling in for Williams over the last two games.

Houston arguably has been the league's biggest disappointment this season. The Rockets have been ravaged by injuries, most notably Tracy McGrady, and have not had their full starting lineup healthy at any point this season.

Stromile Swift returned to the lineup Friday, but the Rockets were without forward Juwan Howard in their 96-92 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Three-time All-Star center Yao Ming, swingmen Derek Anderson and Bob Sura and guard Jon Barry also were sidelined Friday for Houston, which has dropped nine of its last 12.

Ming has missed the last 20 games with a toe injury, Anderson has been out for 22 contests with a strained calf and Sura has been sidelined for the entire season with a herniated disc.