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Wade will be game-time decision when Heat host Nets

Dec 29, 2006 - 3:31 PM New Jersey (11-18) at Miami (13-15) 7:30 pm EST

MIAMI (Ticker) -- With Shaquille O'Neal still sidelined, the Miami Heat need his sidekick in the lineup.

Superstar Dwyane Wade will be a game-time decision Friday when the Heat host the struggling New Jersey Nets.

The reigning NBA Finals MVP, Wade suffered sprained right wrist with six minutes remaining in the first quarter of Wednesday's 109-103 loss to the Chicago Bulls. The 24-year-old underwent an X-ray on Wednesday and an MRI on Thursday. Both tests were negative.

A preseason favorite in the Eastern Conference, the Nets have struggled to a sub-.500 record in the woeful Atlantic Division.

New Jersey lost, 96-71, to Houston on Wednesday. Jason Kidd collected 11 points, six steals and five assists for the Nets, who have lost four consecutive games and six of their last eight.

New Jersey has won just three of its last 11 meetings with the Heat.