• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Raptors, Heat continue to joust for playoff position

Apr 3, 2007 - 4:45 PM Toronto (41-32) at Miami (39-34) 7:30 pm EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) - It's not how you start, it's how you finish. Just ask the Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat, who meet Tuesday.

Both teams have overcome early season struggles. Toronto got off to a 2-8 start that had some wondering about coach Sam Mitchell's job security.

However, the Raptors are 28-14 since January 1. They clinched their first playoff berth in five years with Sunday's win over Charlotte and need six wins to match the best record in the franchise's 12-year history.

Defending NBA champion Miami opened 4-8 and has been hampered by extended injuries to superstars Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade. However, the Heat are 26-15 since January 7 to move within one-half game of Washington atop the Southeast Division.

Wade returned to practice Monday for the first time since dislocating his left shoulder February 21. The Heat are expecting the return of 3-point marksman Jason Kapono.

Toronto has won three in a row and five of six. It has been carried by All-Star Chris Bosh, who is averaging 25 points and 16 rebounds during the winning streak.

Miami has alternated wins and losses over the past four games, including Sunday's 94-88 loss at Detroit in which it squandered a 10-point fourth-quarter lead. O'Neal had 23 points and added eight rebounds.

Six days ago, the Raptors evened the season series at one win each with a 96-83 home victory. Bosh had 13 points and 18 rebounds as Toronto held a 53-35 advantage on the glass despite using a small lineup for much of the contest.