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Wizards vs. Heat preview: Washington hosts Miami looking to gain ground in East

Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images

The Wizards haven't dominated much this season, but they've run the state of Florida. They're 3-0 vs. the Magic this season and they won their first meeting with the Heat, a 114-103 win Miami.

Unfortunately, they don't give away trophies for dominating the state of Florida, but a win tonight would go a long way to help the Wizards get back into Eastern Conference playoff chase. With a win, the Wizards would get back to .500, and they could potentially climb into a tie for 10th if the Hornets lose at Golden State.

To get there, the Wizards will need to do something they've struggled with this season: winning at home. They're 8-8 at the Verizon Center. The only teams in the East who have a worse record at home are the Nets and 76ers. Thankfully, the Heat haven't been great on the road this season. They're only 5-6 away from the friendly confines this season, so both teams have trends they'll try to correct this evening.

Game Info

When: 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 3.

Where: Verizon Center

TV: CSN Mid-Atlantic for people in the DMV area, Sun Sports for folks in Florida.

Radio: 99.1 WNEW in Washington

Injury Report

Alan Anderson, Bradley Beal, Drew Gooden and Nene are out. DeJuan Blair and Gary Neal are questionable.

Josh McRoberts and Justise Winslow are questionable for the Heat.

Most Likely Wizards Killer

NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Wizards' track record against athletic, streaky shooters is not great, and that probably won't change with Gerald Green in town. He didn't have a great game the first time these two played, thanks in part to getting in some foul trouble, but went off for 28 when they played in the preseason. If he can stay out of his own way, he could make things very frustrating for the Wizards.