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Surging Heat look to continue rise against sliding Pacers

Mar 23, 2007 - 2:04 PM Miami (37-30) at Indiana (30-37) 7:00 pm EDT

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- While the Miami Heat are rising in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers are sinking out of the playoff race.

The Heat look to continue their surge Friday when they face the Pacers, who are looking to salvage their season.

Miami posted their 11th win in their last 13 games with a 91-83 victory over Atlanta on Wednesday. Jason Williams had 21 points and eight assists to lead six players in double figures.

With the win, the Heat are one-half game behind Washington (37-29) for first place in the Southeast Division and 1 1/2 games behind fifth-place Chicago in the Eastern Conference.

The Heat are 11-3 since reigning NBA Finals MVP Dwyane Wade injured his shoulder February 21 at Houston. Five different players have led the team in scoring in his absence.

The Pacers, on the other hand, are headed in the opposite direction. Indiana has lost 13 of its last 14 games, including a 90-72 loss to San Antonio on Wednesday. Ike Diogu scored 14 points and Jermaine O'Neal added 10.

Battling injuries all season, O'Neal was supposed to miss Wednesday's contest with a sore left knee but played anyway, shooting 5-of-15 from the field.

The Pacers have not missed the playoffs since 1997. But as a result of their slide, they are in a fight for the final playoff spot in the East. Indiana is in a virtual tie with Orlando (31-38) for the final playoff spot - just one-half game ahead of New York (30-38).

The Heat and Pacers have split two meetings this season.