Heat hope to avoid getting burned by Magic

The Heat’s winning burst has moved them to just a half game back of Washington for the lead in the Southeast Division. Miami extended its winning ways on Friday when the club knocked off Sacramento, 103-97, behind 23 points by Shaquille O’Neal.

Jason Williams added 19 points and five assists for the Heat, who won for the 14th consecutive time at home as well. Eddie Jones also chipped in with 19 points and James Posey finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Some bad news did come out of the game though, as Heat guard Gary Payton aggravated a groin injury in the second quarter and did not return to action. He is questionable for this evening.

Miami’s winning streak at home has pushed its mark at AmericanAirlines Arena to 23-10. The club next hits the road for two games, beginning in Atlanta on Wednesday.

The Magic have lost four of their last five and have fallen into ninth overall in the East, one-half game back of New Jersey. The club is now 7 1/2 behind Washington for the division lead as well.

On Saturday, Kevin Martin scored 20 points, as the Sacramento Kings rallied for a 95-83 victory over Orlando Magic.

Jameer Nelson scored 23 points for Orlando while Trevor Ariza scored 17. J.J. Redick netted 12 points in the loss and Dwight Howard grabbed 12 boards.

Tonight marks the first of two straight road games for the Magic. Orlando will play in Toronto on Wednesday and is 10-23 as the visitor this season.

The Magic have had success against the Heat this season, having won both meetings with Miami so far this campaign. The teams will meet once more this season on April 18 in Orlando.