Wade not ready to give up on making playoffs
MIAMI — Their playoff hopes are basically on life support.
The Miami Heat are a longshot to make the postseason, but don’t tell that to the players. They plan on fighting until the very end.
The Heat need plenty outside help from the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers if they are to make the postseason. They have remained positive despite three late losses in which they blew double-digit leads.
“That’s the reason that guys haven’t packed it up and said, ‘Well this season is over when Chris [Bosh] went down,’ ” Wade said.
Wade said coming into work on a daily basis remains enjoyable because he realizes he may not have too many more opportuni- ties to compete for a playoff spot. In his 12th year, Wade knows he can’t play forever.
“It’s a challenge that one day we won’t have,” Wade said. “One day it goes. As tough as it is, you have to look forward to it because one day you know you won’t have it. You’re going to miss days like this.”
Walker practices, returns to lineup
Forward Henry Walker was back in the lineup after missing the game Thursday against the Chicago Bulls because of a sore el-bow. Walker said he suffered the injury earlier this week in a collision at practice. “He was able to practice [Friday],” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “He felt a little bit better in practice. He feels much better. He was able to get a cortisone shot and take away the pain.”
Raptors getting used to success
Unlike the Heat, the Raptors already know they will be in the playoffs. The only drama remaining is what seed they will have.
Coach Dwane Casey said the team is somewhat over the idea of just making the postseason.
“This is different,” Casey said. “It’s amazing, because last year everybody was so excited. We had this energy going into the playoffs. This year, it’s like ‘We’ve done it so many times.’ ”
Still, Casey is hoping the team never takes the experience for granted. The Raptors are set to make their seventh playoff appearance.
“I look at it as a precious opportunity, and I encourage our players,” Casey said. “I just heard LeBron James say about how much they cherished winning the division and putting up the banners in the rafters. We’ve got to take those steps.”