Miami Heat's Quentin Richardson sidelined by lower back strain

Starting small forward Quentin Richardson missed his second consecutive game Sunday because of a lower back strain, and the team has not set a timetable for his return. 1258954955

HEAT

Young Miami Heat players need to step up

The Heat looks for more consistency and urgency from second-year players Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers to help end a three-game losing streak Sunday against New Orleans.

NBA Extra | Around the hardcourt

As the "fantasy land" of a potential Dwyane Wade-LeBron James partnership next summer begins to settle a wee bit for now, there could be other blockbuster unions available for the Heat.

RAPTORS 120, HEAT 113

Miami Heat's furious rally runs out of gas

The Heat overcame a 23-point deficit to tie the score in the fourth quarter, but petered out at the end.

HEAT NOTEBOOK

Haslem, Richardson nearing return to action

Forwards Udonis Haslem and Quentin Richardson are getting close to returning from injuries that have left the Heat without two of its top defenders.

Miami Heat coach expects breakout by Dwyane Wade

Missed shots, turnovers, bad losses and a rising tide of doubters have combined to leave Heat guard Dwyane Wade in an offensive slump and a foul mood.

HAWKS 105, HEAT 90

Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade struggles in loss to Atlanta Hawks

Dwyane Wade, who had a season-low 15 points, said the Heat is `going through growing pains' after its latest setback.

Shoulder injury sidelines Miami Heat's Udonis Haslem at least one game

There was a new addition to the Heat's injury report Wednesday, with leading rebounder Udonis Haslem sitting out with a strained left shoulder.

Oklahoma City Thunder top Miami Heat, 100-87

Through nine games this season, the Heat found a way to become one of the league's biggest surprises thanks to consistent defense, a stunning superstar and a more productive supporting cast.

WEDNESDAY: HEAT AT HAWKS

WEDNESDAY: HEAT AT HAWKS

When/where: 7 p.m.; Philips Arena, Atlanta.

TV/radio: Sun Sports; WINZ 940, WQBA 1140 (Spanish).

Atlanta provides a potential rivalry in the making

The Heat-Hawks playoff series last season was arguably the most difficult first-round series to watch last spring.

Despite the series going seven games, none of the games was particularly compelling, and play from both teams was uneven.

HEAT

Injuries start taking a toll on Miami Heat

Jermaine O'Neal and Mario Chalmers are hurting, and coach Erik Spoelstra hopes rest and treatment will have them ready for the Thunder on Tuesday.

THUNDER 100, HEAT 87

Miami Heat loses to Oklahoma City Thunder

Led by superstar Kevin Durant's 32 points, the young, surprising Thunder was able to handle the Heat with ease.

Miami Heat's Udonis Haslem playing leading role off the bench

When reserves perform as well as Heat forward Udonis Haslem has, it usually warrants a promotion.

Instead, efforts such as Haslem's career-high-tying 28 points and 12 rebounds in Saturday's victory against New Jersey only verifies coach Erik Spoelstra's decision to continue to bring the veteran off the bench.

Dwyane Wade, Michael Jordan team up to help Norland high

While much of the recent buzz surrounding Dwyane Wade was generated by a potential free-agent partnership on the court with LeBron James, the Heat guard already has teamed up with another NBA great to make an impact off the court.

HEAT 81, NETS 80

Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade comes to rescue against depleted Nets

Dwyane Wade's three-pointer with one-tenth of a second left lifted the Heat over the winless Nets.

Miami Heat center Jermaine O'Neal misses game with left hip bruise

The pain from Thursday's loss to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers lingers for the Heat.

Miami center Jermaine O'Neal missed Saturday's game against New Jersey with a left hip bruise he sustained during a collision with James midway through Thursday's 111-104 loss to the Cavaliers.

NBA Extra | Around the hardcourt

As they posed side by side for a promotional photo shoot the other night inside a South Beach mansion, retired NBA legend Michael Jordan quickly turned his back to Dwyane Wade and playfully leaned into the Heat guard.

HEAT VS. NETS, 7:30 P.M. SAT., SUN SPORTS

Miami Heat's Michael Beasley looking to build on Cavs game

After an inconsistent start at power forward, Michael Beasley wants to build on his solid performance Thursday against the Cavaliers.