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Heat aim for fourth straight win

Apr 8, 2007 - 5:09 PM Charlotte (30-47) at Miami (42-34) 6:00 pm EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) -- The Miami Heat seek to extend their winning streak to four games and increase their lead in the Southeast Division.

The Heat, who clinched a playoff spot on Wednesday, will host the Charlotte Bobcats in the first game of a home-and-home series on Sunday.

Miami (42-34) has a 2 1/2 game lead over Washington (39-36) in the Southeast Division despite playing without center Shaquille O'Neal (knee), guard Dwyane Wade (shoulder) Jason Williams (knee, stomach), forward Jason Kapono (ankle) and even coach Pat Riley (knee, hip surgery) at different points in the season.

Miami's biggest loss came on February 21 when Wade went down with a separated shoulder. However, the Heat have responded well in his absence, posting a 16-7 record.

The team expects Wade to return next week, but he will probably play limited minutes off the bench.

The Bobcats have won four of their last six games, but lost, 112-102, to Indiana on Friday.

The Heat have won both meetings this season. The teams play again at Charlotte on Tuesday.