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Slumping Wizards look to gain ground on Heat

Apr 11, 2007 - 4:45 PM Washington (39-38) at Miami (42-36) 7:30 pm EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) - If the Washington Wizards hope to take the Southeast Division lead from the Miami Heat, then Wednesday's meeting is almost a must-win.

With five games remaining, the shorthanded Wizards (39-38) trail the Heat (42-36) by 2 1/2 games in the Southeast. Miami has four contests left.

Both teams have clinched playoff berths. The division winner would be assured of one of the top four seeds in the Eastern Conference playoffs, although not necessarily home-court advantage.

The Wizards have lost five in a row, including Tuesday's 96-92 decision to New Jersey. Antawn Jamison had 26 points and 11 rebounds, marking his third double-double in four games, and Darius Songaila added 19 points for Washington, which is trying to make due without injured All-Stars Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler, who are out for the season.

The defending champion Heat fell to 0-2 since the return of superstar Dwyane Wade, losing the back end of a home-and-home with the Charlotte Bobcats. In Tuesday's 92-82 setback, Wade scored 14 points and could not pick up the slack for the absence of Shaquille O'Neal (relative's funeral) and Udonis Haslem (groin injury).

The Heat hold a 2-1 lead in the season series, including a 106-104 home win March 11.