MIAMI vs. CHARLOTTE

SCHEDULE

Today at Miami, 5:30 p.m.

Monday at Miami, 4 p.m.

Friday at Charlotte, 5 p.m.

April 30 at Charlotte, TBD*

May 3 at Miami, TBD*

* if necessary; TBD--to be determined.

THE BREAKDOWN

* Team records (seeds): (3) Miami 50-32, (6) Charlotte 46-36.

* Season series: 2-2; Nov. 3--at Charlotte 83, Miami 79; Nov. 14--at Miami 89, Charlotte 86 (OT); Dec. 20--at Charlotte 65, Miami 56; April 6--at Miami 81, Charlotte 76.

* Head coaches: Pat Riley (sixth season), Paul Silas (third season).

* Scouting report: Alonzo Mourning’s return was hailed like Rodan, the old movie monster, returning to Tokyo, causing Eastern coaches to run around yelling, “We don’t want to play them!” However, Pat Riley had to re-integrate Mourning and just-returning Eddie Jones, while Anthony Mason did everything but put on a black armband. Then Tim Hardaway bruised his foot and became a question mark. Late routs by Toronto and Orlando suggested the Heat wasn’t there yet. Luckily, Miami gets this deadhead crew, which is just what Dr. Riley ordered. The Hornets started 20-9, finished 26-27 and don’t always insist on putting up a fight.

* Prediction: Miami, 3-1.

PROBABLE HEAT STARTERS

G Eddie Jones 17.4 pts, 4.6 reb

G Tim Hardaway 14.9 pts. 6.3

C Alonzo Mourning 13.6 pts, 7.8 reb

F Anthony Mason 16.1 pts, 9.6 reb

F Bruce Bowen 7.6 pts

KEY RESERVES

F Brian Grant 15.2 pts, 8.8 reb

F A.C. Green 4.5 pts, 3.8 reb

G Dan Majerle 5.0 pts

G Anthony Carter 6.4 pts, 3.7 ast

PROBABLE HORNET STARTERS

F Mashburn 20.1 pts, 7.6 reb, 5.4 ast

F P.J. Brown 8.5 pts, 9.3 reb

C Elden Campbell 13.1 pts, 7.8 reb

G David Wesley 17.2 pts, 4.4 ast

G Baron Davis 13.8 pts, 7.3 ast, 5.0 reb

KEY RESERVES

F Eddie Robinson 7.4 pts

F Derrick Coleman 8.1 pts, 5.4 reb

* Injury report: MIA--G Tim Hardaway (foot).

*--*

THE MATCHUPS MIA CHA Avg. points 88.9 (27) 91.9 (24) Avg. points allowed 86.6 (2) 89.8 (4) Avg. rebounds 39.6 (27) 44.4 (7) Opp. avg. rebounds 42.0 (12) 40.6 (4) Field goal % .430 (24) .431 (23) Opp. field goal % .431 (6) .426 (4) Free throw % .759 (10) .745 (19) Three point % .345 (19) .346 (18)

*--*

Research by Roy Jurgens