The Heat resumes practice Wednesday, two weeks from the season opener, and there are still several pressing questions.

Who will start at point guard and center? Which players will be part of the rotation? How much will chemistry improve during the four remaining exhibition games?

The Heat perhaps will find more answers this week, which coach Erik Spoelstra characterized as a ''critical'' stretch. Spoelstra said Tuesday -- an off day for players after having returned Monday from London -- the team has much to improve upon, but he sees progress on many fronts.

Point guard Chris Quinn, who started the preseason opener but has been sidelined by a sprained ankle, could practice Wednesday. Recently signed point guard Shaun Livingston is ready to increase his workload. Center Jamaal Magloire's prognosis is not as dire as initially thought.

''He can exercise and condition, do everything except play,'' Spoelstra said Tuesday in a phone interview. ``I don't know the exact timetable, but it won't be as long [six to eight weeks] as initially thought.''

Spoelstra said the Heat does not expect Magloire to be available for the season opener against the New York Knicks on Oct. 29. The first-year coach also said center Alonzo Mourning's rehab is coming along. Mourning has been working out three hours a day.

''I don't think anyone will know until the end of December,'' Spoelstra said of Mourning's availability. ``But you can never count Zo out. His character, leadership and warrior mentality is something this young team would benefit from.''

Mourning said he's a month ahead of schedule, but added, ``I've still got a ways to go.''

For now, the Heat will rely on veteran Mark Blount, second-year Joel Anthony and rookie David Padgett.

At point guard, Spoelstra said Marcus Banks -- who started both exhibitions in Europe -- was solid.

''Marcus has really tried everything we've asked of him,'' Spoelstra said. ``He has shown improvement in moving the ball and trying to get us organized in offense. [Sunday] night, he really took a step forward.''

As a team, Spoelstra said much work remains. Defensively he is pleased with the team's rebounding and ability to protect the paint and rim. Offensively, the team needs to reduce turnovers, work on spacing and continue to developing chemistry.

''We're getting guys back from injuries,'' Spoelstra said, except for forward James Jones (wrist) who remains day-to-day, ``and this is the first time a lot of these guys have played together. Familiarity and developing cohesiveness on the court have to be done on the practice court first.''

• The Heat announced Tuesday night it waived forward Omar Barlett and guard Eddie Basden.

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