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Heat to unveil new frontcourt vs. Timberwolves

Feb 18, 2009 - 11:30 AM Minnesota (17-35) at Miami (28-24) 7:30 p.m. EST

MIAMI (Ticker) -- The Miami Heat will trot out a brand new frontcourt when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

The Heat acquired Jermaine O'Neal, Jamario Moon and a first round draft pick from the Toronto Raptors last week in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks in an effort to beef up the front line for a playoff push.

While Marion is a strong defender on the perimeter, O'Neal is more of a force under the basket, averaging two blocks per game to go along with 13.5 points and 7.7 rebounds. Moon is at his best playing on the wing, using his athleticism to score and rebound, much like Marion.

Make no mistake, Miami will continue to focus its offense around Dwyane Wade, who is averaging 28.3 points - second in the NBA - and led the Eastern Conference with 18 points and five assists in the All-Star game on Sunday.

Wade had 24 points and seven assists - including one on the winning basket - as the Heat closed the ceremonial first half with a 95-93 win over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.

The Timberwolves fell to 0-2 without injured forward Al Jefferson when they dropped a 111-103 decision at Washington on Tuesday. Kevin Love collected 17 points and 11 rebounds and Randy Foye added 23 points in the losing effort.