Miami Heat Team Report - November 4

(Basketball News) - South Beach gets its first taste of Shaquille O’Neal tonight when the Miami Heat open the home portion of their schedule against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at AericanAirlines Arena.

In Wednesday’s season-opener, Dwyane Wade paced a balanced attack with 21 points and Shaquille O’Neal added 16 in his Heat debut, leading Miami to an easy 100-77 win over the New Jersey Nets at the Meadowlands.

O’Neal started despite a lingering hamstring injury that threatened to derail his first appearance with his new team. He only needed to play 21 minutes, but he was effective when on the floor.

Rasual Butler also had 16 points for the Heat, who opened the season with a road win for the first time in franchise history. Wade also had six assists and five rebounds while three others scored in double digits, including all five starters.

O’Neal could be in store for a big game tonight, as he has dominated the Cavs the last two times he has played them, averaging 31.5 points on 59 percent (23-for-39) shooting in those contests.

Miami was 29-12 at home last season.

Last season the Heat split their four matchups with the Cavs, but could be at an advantage tonight, as the home team in this series has won the last seven contests. Miami has also won eight of 11 and 18 of its last 22 at home versus the Cavs.