Heat at Clippers
THE STORY: Dwyane Wade looks as if he didn’t skip a beat in returning to the Miami Heat’s lineup on Tuesday night. Wade had a season-high 34 points, 20 in the first half, in his first game after missing three games with a bruised left foot. But Miami fell for the first time on the road, losing 111-106 in overtime at Golden State after blowing a 17-point lead. The Heat continue their road trip when they travel to Los Angeles to meet the Clippers on Wednesday night in the only meeting between the teams this season. Los Angeles also lost on the road Tuesday, falling 105-97 at Portland to end its three-game winning streak. Caron Butler led the Clippers with 20 points. Wade could be questionable for tonight’s game against the speedy Clippers after playing 37 minutes Tuesday. “Hopefully, when I get back to playing, even if it’s a little discomfort, I can still keep going and keep playing until it eventually gets better,” Wade said earlier Tuesday.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
ABOUT THE HEAT (8-2): In addition to Wade, LeBron James (left ankle) and guard Mario Chalmers (right shoulder) are banged up. James had 26 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds but missed a potential tying 3-pointer in the final seconds of overtime against Golden State. Miami also is without forward Mike Miller, who is recovering from surgery for a sports hernia. Miller had hoped to return against Golden State, and it is unlikely he will play tonight.
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (4-3): Los Angeles is in the middle of a key stretch, playing the Heat tonight and then meeting the Lakers for the first time this season Saturday in a battle of city and Pacific Division rivals. “You can't lose sight of the next day in this league,” guard Chauncey Billups said. Coach Vinny Del Negro said, “You put so much preparation into Portland, and then you worry about the next game after that.”
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Miami is averaging 49.8 points in the paint this season, compared to 34.0 points by the opposition.
2. The Clippers have won three in a row against Miami at Staples Center.