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Think of it this way: how many people would have thought the Nets would have only one more loss than the Heat ten days into the season...and would have a chance to even the number? The Nets are 2-3, the Heat are 4-2. The two teams face off for the second time in a week on Saturday, both coming off road losses Friday night.
While the Nets were losing in Orlando, the Heat were dropping their second game of the season to the undefeated Hornets in New Orleans. The Big Three had 63 points, but Chris Paul and Emeka Okafor decimated the Heat defense. And for the second time in a week, Chris Bosh had only one rebound. As Okafor proved, there are opportunities for big men vs. the Heat...and Brook Lopez could use a chance at redemption after his performance vs. Dwight Howard.
In the Nets loss, Avery Johnson used only nine players. Johan Petro, who has disappointed Johnson, lost his backup center role to Kris Humphries and rookie Damion James didn't play either.