Hawks try to beat Heat in South Beach

The Heat have lost two straight and three of their last four games since ripping off nine straight wins. In Saturday’s 93-85 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Heat blew a 19-point lead and remain a half-game behind Washington for the top spot in the Southeast Division.

Jason Williams poured in 21 points and dished out six assists for the Heat, who are sixth in the East and 23-12 at home this season. Shaquille O’Neal had 18 points and Udonis Haslem grabbed 14 boards to go along with 11 points.

In injury news for the Heat, guard Gary Payton (groin) and center Alonzo Mourning (knee) are doubtful for Monday’s game against Atlanta.

The Hawks have lost three in a row and five of their last six games, including Sunday’s 104-97 setback to the Dallas Mavericks in the finale of a four-game homestand at Philips Arena.

Josh Smith and Josh Childress each scored 21 points for the Hawks, who went 1-3 on the homestand. Tyronn Lue tallied 15 points off the bench and Zaza Pachulia netted 14 points and pulled down 13 rebounds in a losing cause.

Atlanta will open a brief two-game road trip tonight and will also visit the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday. The Hawks are 12-23 on the road this season.

Monday’s game between the Hawks and Heat is the fourth and final meeting of the regular season. Miami is 3-0 so far in the series and has won 13 of 14 and 16 of the last 18 meetings.

The Hawks have lost 10 straight and 19 of the last 20 visits to South Beach.