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O'Neal could return for Heat

Jan 16, 2008 - 2:13 PM Chicago (14-22) at Miami (8-28) 7:00 pm EST

MIAMI (Ticker) -- The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls entered this season as two of the Eastern Conference's best teams. Nearly halfway through the season, they are likely its two biggest disappointments.

Looking to snap a 10-game losing streak, the Heat host the Bulls on Wednesday.

Last season, Miami overcame numerous injuries to finish at 44-38 before getting swept by the Bulls in the first round of the playoffs.

In 2007-08, the Heat have been unable to do much of anything, losing six of their first seven contests of the season with Dwyane Wade sidelined due to knee and shoulder surgeries. If that wasn't bad enough, Shaquille O'Neal - an 11-time All-Star - has missed the past eight games with left hip bursitis.

However, O'Neal is expected to return to the lineup for Miami, which is on its longest losing streak since dropping 12 in a row from November 8-December 4, 2001.

Much was also expected from the Bulls this season as well after a 49-win campaign for their highest total since 1997-98. While they haven't struggled to the degree the Heat have, the Bulls' struggles led to the firing of coach Scott Skiles.

The team is 5-5 under interim coach Jim Boylan. But Chicago lost for the third time in four contests on Tuesday, enduring a 102-88 setback to the Orlando Magic.

The Bulls were without point guard Kirk Hinrich, who missed the game with back spasms and lost reserve forward Andres Nocioni in the third quarter with a bruised hip. Both players are day-to-day.