Even without Wade, Heat are blazing

Think again.

All Miami has accomplished since then, after a few bumps in the road, was a nine-game winning streak and 14 victories in a row at home, all but solidifying their postseason appearance.

With 14 games left to play, the Heat are sixth overall in the Eastern Conference, two games behind fifth-seeded Chicago, and hold a six-game edge over the Magic and Pacers, who are tied for seventh overall in the East.

Miami is also just one-half game behind Washington for first place in the Southeast Division. The two clubs meet one more time this season on April 11.

The Heat’s 14 straight home wins this season is tied for second on the club’s all-time list, just four shy of an 18-game home winning streak by the 2004-05 Miami squad.

Overall, Miami has won 15 of its last 16 home games and is 23-11 as the host this season.

All of this without Wade, who decided to rehab his shoulder instead of having season-ending surgery in hopes of playing again this season. The guard leads the team in points (28.8) and assists (7.9) per game.

Miami, which is hoping to get Wade back this season, is 12-10 this campaign without Wade, including 10-4 since his shoulder injury.