In-state rivals clash Sunday when the Orlando Magic take their big one to Miami to play the Heat’s big three.
Miami has been a monster at home, going 18-2 and winning its last 12 at American Airlines Arena, allowing just 89.3 points during the streak.
The Magic are 13-9 on the road and have won four of their last five behind a hot-shooting Jameer Nelson (27-of-44 from the floor in his last four games).
Dwight Howard, the NBA’s leading rebounder (15.0), has tortured Miami on the glass, averaging 21.3 boards against the Heat this season – his highest against any opponent.
In Tuesday’s 104-98 home win over the Heat, Howard grabbed 25 boards and scored 24 points.
The Magic’s recent strong play hasn’t hidden their carelessness with the ball from coach Stan Van Gundy.
“We don’t value the ball much,” said Van Gundy. “We just throw it around and don’t really think it matters … You’re not going to 
win a playoff series like that, you’re just not.”
Orlando had 24 turnovers against Miami and 20 more Friday in a 86-70 win over New Jersey.
The Heat eked out an 84-78 win at Philadelphia on Friday after almost blowing a 29-point lead. Dwyane Wade had one of his poorest games in months, shooting 6-of-16 on his way to just 12 points.
A game against the Magic may be just what the doctor ordered. Wade is averaging 29.3 points on 58 percent shooting against Orlando this season.
After Howard agreed to stay one more year with Orlando, Magic owner Rich DeVos admitted the time is now for his team. “Now we have to get it done. We have to get better. If we don’t, you couldn’t blame him for going someplace else.”
Beating the Heat (32-11) at home would be a good place to start.