Tonight the Heat will play a much different Washington Wizards team then they have seen the previous two times this season.  The reason?  Antawn Jamison.  The Wizards star forward missed the team's first nine games with a shoulder injury, but he has been amazing since returning. 

In the four games Jamison has played, he's scored 31, 22, 15 and 32 points while shooting 51.4% from the field.  He is also averaging 10.8 boards and 1.5 steals.  With Antawn, Gilbert, Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood all in the lineup for Washington, the Heat are going to see a much more powerful, all-around team. 

The Heat are coming off of perhaps their most invigorating game of the year but are still dealing with some issues on defense.  The Heat have given up 26 three pointers in the last two games, but in those games the Hornets and Magic put up 59 attempts from beyond the arc.  That is pretty ridiculous, and one has to assume that the Heat, who opened the season playing great perimeter defense, has somewhat lost their way.  

Another thing to keep an eye on is how Mario Chalmers and Carlos Arroyo come back after the stinker they put up in Orlando.  Forget about points, when two point guards combine for 3 assists, there is a problem.  Granted, the Heat have often been guilty of not moving much without the ball, but either way that is a problem that needs to be solved asap.

GAME NOTES

• The Heat have won two in a row overall and six in a row against the Wizards

• Quentin Richardson is listed as doubtful, still dealing with a sore back. 

• The Wiz will be without Mike Miller, who is dealing with a sore calf, Mike James (hand) and Javaris Crittenton (foot).

• This is also going to be the 2^nd game in a row that the Heat are nationally televised on ESPN. 

• Dwyane Wade has scored 40 and 41 points in the two games against Washington this season, his only 40-point games this year (so far). 

Another great test for Miami as they shoot for 3 in a row.  Tipoff is at 7pm from the AAA.