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Magic, Heat square off in key Eastern Conference battle

Feb 22, 2009 - 1:49 PM Miami (29-25) at Orlando (40-14) 5:30 p.m. EST

ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) -- The Miami Heat know they can't catch up with their in-state rival Orlando Magic - barring a massive collapse - but the least they could do is make it tougher on them to secure home-court advantage.

The Heat and Magic square off on Sunday evening in a Southeast Division clash as both clubs try to get back on track after recent slip-ups.

Miami has lost six of its last 10 contests and, while the team should certainly qualify for the postseason, its hopes of securing one of the top four seeds are dwindling. The Magic, on the other hand, have even grander designs - they're going for the best record in the Eastern Conference.

However, a recent season-ending injury to All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson put a crimp in those plans, as they went 3-3 in the first six games of his absence. Feeling a need to do something, the front office pulled off a trade with the Houston Rockets for veteran point guard Rafer Alston to take over running the offense.

Early returns are good. In his Orlando debut, Alston struggled with his shot, but dished out eight assists while leading his new team to a decisive 92-80 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.