SAT 2/26
Dwyane Wade should be looking forward to this weekend, when the Heat faces the Orlando Magic. Florida's other NBA team brings with it myriad questions on defense, especially how to stop slashing guards. With the Heat getting ready to host the Magic on Saturday afternoon, and then play them in Orlando 24 hours later, Wade must be dreaming of sweeping, grinning, slow-motion reverse lay-ups.
A possible playoff team, Grant Hill and company can be pesky. But while the Heat tinkers with its .700-plus winning percentage, trying to reach the level of elite West Conference teams, the Magic is showing signs of systemic problems. The Heat is fine-tuning its bench and team focus; the Magic is trying to stomach a 27th-ranked defense. Yes, February has been bitterly cold in Orlando -- at least inside the TD Waterhouse Centre. On February 8, the Magic gave up 113 points to the Golden State Warriors, giving that team just its fourth road win. On February 12, Allen Iverson, who according to the media guide is just one player, scored 60 points against the Magic. The next day, New Orleans guard Dan Dickau, surely a household name in his household, scored a career-high 28 points in Orlando. Can the Heat's leading scorer net 100 points on Saturday and Sunday? Saturday's tip-off is at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $10 to $220, or catch the game on Sun Sports. Call 786-777-HOOP. -- Jason Cottrell
Hard Hitters
Go soft
SAT 2/26
The Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation department is sponsoring a celebrity softball tournament to benefit the Al Harris Foundation and the Police Benevolent Association on Saturday, February 26, at the city's Four Fields Complex (1700 NE Eighth St.). The ten-team tournament will include several NFL stars, including Raider running back Zack Crockett, Eagles defensive lineman Corey Simon, Miami Dolphins cornerback Sam Madison, and Al Harris himself, who happens to be a cornerback for the Green Bay Packers. The softball action will start at 9 a.m., and children's activities -- including a bounce house, face painting, and snow-cone making -- begin at 2 p.m. The day's activities also include a player autograph session and a home run derby contest. Cost is $2 per person after 1 p.m. Call 954-786-4119. -- Russ Evans
