Tonight the Heat will open up their season series against inner state rivals from the town of tourists.  Dwyane Wade and co. will head north on the turnpike and hopefully show us some good, solid defensive basketball.  It will be tough against the Magic who have won six straight games against the Heat and 12 of 13 in the overall series.

Dwight Howard has been dominating centers all season, and thanks to the wonderful world of fantasy basketball I've been able to see him shut guys down all year.  It will be interesting to see how Jermaine does considering how well he has been offensively. 

Another problem lies in former Heat point guard Jason Williams, who has stepped up since the injury to Jameer Nelson.  J-Will has started three games for Nelson, averaging 9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2 steals, playing in over 30 minutes. Doesn't it hurt twice as bad when an x-player burns you?  I'd watch out for Williams tonight, especially against the much less experienced Mario Chalmers.

GAME NOTES

• The Heat have won 17 straight games when shooting over 50% (dating back to last season)

• Tonight D-Wade will start his 400^th game in a Heat uniform.  Only Glen Rice and Alonzo Mourning have reached this milestone. 

• Wade also has scored at least 30 points in 6 of the Heat's 13 games.

• Quentin Richardson will miss his third straight game with a sore back. 

Tipoff from Amway Arena is at 7:30pm.  Lovely arena, isn't it?  No no, I'm being serious!  Very reminiscent of the Heat's old stomping ground...at least for me.