Miami @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 4, 2019 ) Washington 109, Miami 115

The Miami Heat are trying to keep hold of the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference as they visit the Washington Wizards on Saturday. Miami was pounded 116-87 by host Milwaukee on Friday in a setback that reduced its lead over Orlando for the spot to one-half game.

The Heat won three straight contests before their sub-par showing against the Bucks, while Orlando was winning its game to apply pressure. "That's what we talk about," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters after Friday's loss. "There's great joy in the wins and there is pain (in the losses) because there is significance in these games." Washington is fading with three straight losses and four in five games after falling 113-108 to Denver on Thursday. The Wizards figured to be a playoff team when the season commenced, but the loss of All-Star point guard John Wall (heel) has been too much to overcome.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Miami), NBCS Washington

ABOUT THE HEAT (35-37): Miami failed to reach 20 points in any of its last three quarters in what was retiring guard Dwyane Wade's final regular-season visit to Milwaukee, where he played collegiately at Marquette. "They limit to you to one shot, and that shot is going to be highly contested," Wade told reporters of the scoring issues. "No excuses this time of year. We have to figure out a way. We're fighting for the playoffs right now." Goran Dragic missed all nine of his shots and went scoreless after averaging 22.3 points over his previous three games.

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (30-43): Washington sits 5 1/2 games behind the Heat for the final playoff spot, but the situation doesn't look too hopeful with only nine contests remaining. "You try to be optimistic about it, but realistic at the same time, too," shooting guard Bradley Beal told reporters. "It's tough when you're in the position where you need help from other teams. They're trying to make it just like we are." Beal scored 25 points in the loss to Denver and has recorded 25 or more in 27 of his last 35 games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Heat are 2-1 against the Wizards this season and have won nine of the last 12 meetings.

2. Miami F Justise Winslow (thigh) could miss his fifth consecutive contest.

3. Washington F Trevor Ariza (groin) likely will sit out his second straight game.

PREDICTION: Heat 106, Wizards 101