Heat at Wizards
THE STORY: The Washington Wizards played more like the Washington Generals in losing to a New York Knicks squad that was missing its two star players. The doesn't bode well for Friday night's visit from the Miami Heat and their resident two superstars, who are coming off a 102-89 shellacking at the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. It marks the second of a six-game road trip for Miami, which is a pedestrian 7-5 away from home this season.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sunshine, CSW
ABOUT THE HEAT (19-7): LeBron James scored 17 points – his second-lowest total of the season – at Orlando. He also continues to be a lightning rod for criticism. NBA legend Larry Bird called James the league's best player but said he'd rather play with Kobe Bryant if he wanted to win. His comments came a day after Oklahoma City's Kendrick Perkins blasted James for his use of Twitter, saying he's “always looking for attention and he wants the world to like him.”
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (5-21): Washington looked defenseless in getting carved up by the Knicks, who played without Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire. With Andray Blatche injured, Trevor Booker had another strong game with 17 points and seven boards. He is shooting over 68 percent in his last seven games. Point guard John Wall, who has scored 60 points in his last two games, missed two of the four matchups against Miami last season and was ejected from a third.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Heat have beaten the Wizards five straight times and nine of the last 10.
2. Miami PG Mario Chalmers is questionable after missing Wednesday’s game with a sprained left hand.