Warriors battle Heat in Oakland

The Warriors are coming off an 85-83 loss to Yao Ming and the Rockets on Wednesday. Yao scored 15 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter to spark Houston to victory. The Chinese center posted 10 straight points for the Rockets at one point in the final 12 minutes.

Clifford Robinson posted 23 points for the Warriors, who have dropped five of their last six games. The loss dropped Golden State to 0-4 on the road this season.

Erick Dampier contributed 15 points and 12 boards for Golden State, which played without guard Nick Van Exel, who sat out with a knee injury. Van Exel is expected to miss tonight’s game.

The Heat have dropped two of their last three games, including a 94-93 setback in Portland on Wednesday. Qyntel Woods hit two free throws with four-tenths of a second left in the game to lift the Trail Blazers to victory.

Miami was led by Eddie Jones’ 26 points and Dwyane Wade’s 24 points. Odom added 13 points and nine rebounds in the loss.

The Heat led 75-61 after three quarters, but the Blazers outscored Miami 33-18 in the final 12 minutes to win the game.

Portland used a 10-2 run in the last 2:13 of the game to set the stage for Woods’ dramatics. Wade’s soft left-handed scoop shot with 9.9 seconds to go gave the Heat a 93-92 lead.

Jeff McInnins then missed a three-pointer, but Woods grabbed the rebound and went right to the basket where he was fouled. Woods then sank both free throws and Odom missed a three at the buzzer, preserving the Portland win.

The teams split the two-game series last season with each team winning on its home court.

The Heat have won 10 of the last 12 meetings with Golden State, but are 4-11 all-time in Oakland. However, this season the Heat have managed just one win in eight road contests.

Golden State holds a 4-3 record at home this year and has won all three of its games against Eastern Conference opponents.