Miami
Philip Maymin
Basketball News Services
With injuries to Udonis Haslem and Christian Laettner, Alonzo Mourning may finally be pushed into action with significant minutes. It couldn't come at a better time than against the Houston Rockets and head coach Stan Van Gundy's brother Jeff. The two Van Gundy boys may even pose matchups tonight that include Mourning and Shaquille O'Neal on one side and Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo on the other. With Tracy McGrady and Dwyane Wade trying to out-flash each other in the backcourt, this could be one of the most exciting games of the year.
Mourning and O'Neal have discussed the possibility of playing together, and (Stan) Van Gundy has told them it might happen, putting Mourning at the four spot while Shaq posts up. That would give Mourning an opportunity to be a cutter and a punisher for any defender who thinks he ought to double-team Shaq.
Unless the two teams meet for up to seven games in the NBA Finals, this is the last time the two 14-foot combos will take on each other. Miami brings its dozen game winning streak but Houston has been no slouch either, winning 7 of its last 10. The Rockets are looking to stop a two-game skid but will they be able to do it against the powerful centers and the equally powerful All-Star guard who are the keys the Miami's success?
NEXT GAME
The Miami Heat (52-16, first in the Southeast) visit the Houston Rockets (39-27, third in the Southwest) TONIGHT. The game starts at 9:30pm Eastern and will be broadcast on TNT.
TEAM NOTES
The only way to secure great seats for this year’s playoffsis to purchase season tickets for next year.
INJURY UPDATE
Wang Zhi Zhi(respiratory infection),Qyntel Woods(knee), andDorell Wright(knee) are all on the injured list.Christian Laettner(foot) is out for a while and could be placed on the injured list as soon as today, replacing Wang Zhi Zhi.Udonis Haslem(shoulder) is questionable for tonight and is a game-time decision.
Stephen F. Holder ofThe Mercury Newswrites: Back when he was just a baby-faced kid with boundless energy, Alonzo Mourning was part of something this unique.He and Georgetown University teammate Dikembe Mutombo for three years in the early 1990s formed a fearsome duo. Together, they were 14 imposing feet of uncanny ability - an opponent's worst nightmare. Now 35 and a backup center for the Miami Heat, Mourning's career seems to have come full circle. With the veteran now slated for more playing time, the likelihood of him playing alongside Shaquille O'Neal has increased exponentially. And considering Tuesday night's opponent, the Houston Rockets, has the potential to play its own intimidating pair of big men, this is as good a chance as any to unveil the much-anticipated Shaq-Zo experiment.
Tom D'Angelo ofThe Palm Beach Postwrites: Alonzo Mourning's chance finally is coming. The Miami Heat will place Christian Laettner on the disabled list after the backup power forward injured his right foot during Saturday's 97-82 victory against the New York Knicks, and coach Stan Van Gundy said Mourning, who has played 33 minutes since rejoining the Heat on March 3, will be in the rotation. "He will play most of the time as one of our four big (men) now,'' Van Gundy said.
Ira Winderman ofThe Sun-Sentinelwrites: The Heat has won 12 in a row overall, two wins from matching its longest streak of the season, as well as four in a row on the road.Miami won the first game of the two-game season series 104-95 Jan. 30 at AmericanAirlines Arena. Forward Udonis Haslem (shoulder) is probable. Qyntel Woods (knee) and guard Dorell Wright (knee) are on the injured list. Forward Christian Laettner (foot) is expected to be placed on the injured list today and Wang Zhi-Zhi is expected to be activated.