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Arenas, Wizards meet shorthanded Heat

Dec 15, 2006 - 3:15 PM Miami (9-12) at Washington (10-11) 7:00 pm EST

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Following a dismal start to the season, the upstart Washington Wizards have gained some momentum.

Speedy Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards host the undermanned Miami Heat, who might be without Dwyane Wade for the second consecutive game, on Friday.

Arenas had 34 points and a season high-tying four steals and Caron Bulter chipped in 26 points and nine rebounds for Washington in Wednesday's 120-91 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

After going just 5-9 through the opening month of the season, the Wizards have turned things around, improving to 5-2 in December. Despite the slow start, Washington is 8-3 overall at the Verizon Center.

Alonzo Mourning scored a season-best 19 points to lead five players in double figures in the Heat's 99-89 setback to the red-hot Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.

Wade missed the last game after having wisdom teeth removed on Tuesday. In his fourth year, the All-Star guard leads Miami in scoring (28.0) and assists (8.1).

Washington was swept in the season series in 2005-06.