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Wade attempts to help Heat avenge earlier loss to Hornets

Dec 18, 2006 - 2:55 PM New Orleans (10-12) at Miami (10-13) 7:30 pm EST

MIAMI (Ticker) -- The removal of two wisdom teeth did wonders to refresh Dwyane Wade. However, he has a tough act to follow.

The reigning Finals MVP, Wade attempts to climb higher among the league scoring leaders and guide the Miami Heat to their third win in five games Monday when they host the New Orleans Hornets.

After missing two contests following dental surgery, Wade made 15-of-24 shots and scored a season-high 41 points for the Heat in Saturday's 98-90 triumph over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Wade has topped the 30-point mark four times in his last five contests and averages 28.6 points to rank among the league's best. He reached the 40-point plateau for the 19th time in his career.

Jason Kapono scored 13 points and Dorrell Wright added 10 with 16 rebounds for Miami, which posted a 45-30 edge on the glass.

Last season's Rookie of the Year, Chris Paul has had a terrific month with five double-doubles in seven December games, including three straight. He scored 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Hornets in Saturday's 90-79 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks.

Paul is being called upon to carry a heavier load for injury-plagued New Orleans, which has lost four of its last five contests.

Averaging 18.7 points, Peja Stojakovic underwent back surgery Sunday and is out indefinitely. Forward David West is due to have an operation on his right elbow later this week.

Stojakovic scored 23 points and Tyson Chandler grabbed 18 rebounds to lead the Hornets to a 101-86 win over the Heat on November 21. Wade led Miami with 29 points.