MIAMI (Ticker) -- The Miami Heat try for the third consecutive
victory on Friday when they visit the Atlanta Hawks, who are
fresh off another trade.
The Heat have won consecutive games following a five-game losing
streak. They are trying to win three straight games for the
fourth time this season and for the first since January 23-26.
Miami returned from the All-Star break to post a 97-85 victory
over the Utah Jazz in the opener of their four-game homestand
on Tuesday.
Rookie Dwyane Wade scored 31 points and Rasual Butler added 15
for Miami, which made seven 3-pointers and 32 free throws en
route to having five players in double figures.
Rafer Alston had 13 points and Brian Grant chipped in 12 as the
Heat began a stretch in which they play 12 of 15 games at
American Airlines Arena.
Atlanta is playing for the first time since sending Rasheed
Wallace to the Detroit Pistons in a three-team trade. The Hawks
received Chris Mills from Boston and Zeljko Rebraca, Bob Sura
and a draft pick from Detroit.
Wallace played just one game for Atlanta, collecting 20 points,
six rebounds and five blocks in a 98-92 loss to the red-hot New
Jersey Nets on Wednesday.
Stephen Jackson had 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists
and Jason Terry scored 22 points for the Hawks, who shot just 38
percent (35-of-92) from the floor but made 12-of-26 3-pointers.
Atlanta has split two meetings with Miami this season, including
a 97-79 loss here on December 16. The Hawks have just nine wins
in 29 all-time road games against the Heat.