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Magic go for ninth straight win over Heat

Mar 14, 2008 - 1:25 PM Orlando (42-24) at Miami (11-52) 7:30 pm EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) - Friday's battle of Florida in the NBA will bring together a pair of teams going in opposite directions.

The Orlando Magic have clinched their first winning record in five years and will coast into the playoffs with a Southeast Division championship.

The Miami Heat, without the services of All-Star guard Dwyane Wade for the final 21 games, appear well on their way to finishing as the league's worst team.

Orlando is 3-0 against the Heat and have won eight consecutive games in the series dating back to February 15, 2006.

"We've got some guys in our locker room who have never had a winning season and I think you've got to appreciate some of the things you accomplish during a season," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "The next goal is to wrap up a playoff spot and then win our division and secure home-court for the playoffs."

Miami has lost its last six games and is 3-33 in its last 36. The Heat are on pace to have their worst record in franchise history. Miami went 15-67 as an expansion team in 1988-89.

Heat head coach Pat Riley will not be in attendance at Friday's game, instead he will be doing some scouting at the Big 12 Conference tournament.