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Heat hope to have O'Neal back when they host SuperSonics

Nov 7, 2006 - 2:17 PM Seattle (1-2) at Miami (1-2) 7:30 pm EST

MIAMI (Ticker) - If the Miami Heat are to make a serious run toward a second straight NBA championship, they will need Shaquille O'Neal to remain healthy.

The Heat hope O'Neal will be able to return from a bruised left knee Tuesday when they host the Seattle SuperSonics.

The 34-year-old O'Neal suffered the injury Friday against the New Jersey Nets and could not suit up for Miami in Sunday's 107-98 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. He is listed as day-to-day.

A 13-time All-Star, O'Neal missed 23 games last season with injuries to his right ankle, right thumb and left knee. However, he averaged 18.4 points and 9.8 rebounds in the playoffs to help the Heat win their first league title.

Antoine Walker scored 23 points, reigning Finals MVP Dwyane Wade added 20 with 11 assists and Udonis Haslem 17 with 16 rebounds for Miami, which was outscored, 57-41, in the second half against the 76ers.

Opening a five-game East Coast road trip, Seattle has dropped two of its first three games despite averaging 111.7 points to rank among the league leaders.

Ray Allen scored 32 points, Rashard Lewis had 25 and Luke Ridnour 22 for the SuperSonics, who gained a split of a home-and-home series against the Los Angeles Lakers with Sunday's 117-111 triumph.

Miami has won five of the last seven home encounters against Seattle, including a 115-106 victory February 25.