It sure feels like its been a while since the last time the Heat took the floor, but at the same time its been nice to just sit back and enjoy having one of the top teams in the NBA.  Granted, the Heat aren't getting the respect that most of us feel they deserve, but it's still very early in the year.  Should the Heat keep up their winning ways, the attention and respect will gradually shift to South Florida, so I'm not worrying myself with any of that garbage.

Tonight the Heat will go for their 6^th win of the season and their 6^th straight win against the Washington Wizards, who have lost 4 straight coming into tonight's contest.  This will be the 2^nd game of the Heat's 5-game home stand, which they kicked off in a big way, beating previously undefeated Denver last Friday.

Leading up to the season, the Wizards we're probably the most popular choice for ‘comeback team of the year' among the wonderful national press, the same people that haven't yet started to see the Heat as a team to be reckoned with.  After starting the year two wins in three games, Washington is now 2-5 and dealing with unhappy players adjusting to a new coach. 

Flip Saunders wants his team to move the ball and get open looks, but the Wizards are used to free shooting, and it starts with their captain Gilbert Arenas.  All of these passes from less then comfortable players could give the defensive minded Heat lots of lanes to steal the ball and draw offensive fouls. 

GAME NOTES

• Daequan Cook will return to the lineup after sitting out the last four with a sore right shoulder.  Does this mean less minutes for Dorell?

• On the other side, the Wiz will be without Mike Miller, who if you remember injured his shoulder during last weeks game between Miami and Washington.  They will also be without forward Antawn Jamison for another week or two. 

• After a long layoff, I've got a feeling that we're going to see a big night from Jermaine O'Neal.

• Mario Chalmers is coming off of his best game of the season, with highs in points, rebounds and threes.  Obviously he'll have his hands full with Arenas, but Chalmers is learning how to be more aggressive on offense. 

Tipoff is 7:30 from the AAA.  LETS GO HEAT!!