Heat, Mavericks meet in rematch of 2006 NBA Finals

Miami defeated the Mavericks in six games during the 2005-06 championship round.

The Heat are hopeful that All-Star center Shaquille O’Neal will return to the court today. Shaq has played in just four games this season after he tore cartilage in his left knee on November 12th versus Houston and had surgery a week later. O’Neal is averaging 14.0 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Miami plays the first of a brief two-game homestand. On Friday, Andre Iguodala stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and five steals as the Philadelphia 76ers edged the Heat, 98-95, in overtime at the Wachovia Center.

Dwyane Wade, who was the NBA Finals MVP, came up an assist short of a triple- double with 28 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for the Heat, who lost for the second time in three games overall. Antoine Walker tallied 19 points and 12 boards off the bench, while Udonis Haslem finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.

The Heat are 9-9 at home this season. They will host the New York Knicks on Monday.

Dallas tries to extend its winning streak to seven games today as it opens a three-game road trip. Josh Howard scored 29 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as the Mavericks crushed the Los Angeles Lakers, 114-95, on Thursday at the American Airlines Center.

Dirk Nowitzki added 27 points and 10 boards for the Southwest Division- leading Mavericks, who won their sixth straight game and for the 19th time in their last 20 contests. Devean George ended with 14 points, while Jason Terry finished with 12 points and 13 assists in the victory.

The Mavericks are 14-5 on the road this season. They will visit the Orlando Magic on Tuesday and the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.

This is the first of two meetings between the clubs this season. Dallas is scheduled to host the Heat on February 22nd at American Airlines Center.

Dallas has won two straight and five of its last six at Miami.