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Struggling Heat host division-rival Bobcats

Feb 8, 2009 - 8:21 AM Charlotte (19-30) at Miami (26-23) 6:00 p.m. EST

MIAMI (Ticker) -- The Miami Heat appear primed to make a return to the postseason after falling hard to a 15-win showing last season. But their recent play certainly wouldn't suggest that.

Having lost four of their last five games, the Heat look to get back on track Sunday evening as they host the Charlotte Bobcats in a Southeast Division clash.

Thankfully for the Heat, their opponent is struggling just as much as they are. The Bobcats have dropped four in a row, including three losses by double digits. One of their top veterans, Raja Bell, is out for the next two games and the team is still without its leading scorer, Gerald Wallace, who is sidelined with a collapsed left lung and broken rib.

While those two are out, the Bobcats may get forward Sean May back. He has been sidelined since December 11 with a sore right knee but is nearing his return.

Miami dropped a disappointing 94-84 decision to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, as they squandered a fourth-quarter lead. The Sixers ran away with it in the final session and had seven players reach double figures in the victory. The backcourt tandem of All-Star Dwyane Wade and rookie Mario Chalmers combined for 39 points, but the Heat got little production elsewhere.

These clubs have split their two meetings this season. The Heat rebounded from a 100-87 loss in Charlotte at the beginning of the season with a 100-96 triumph in the December 8 rematch.