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Wade Reiterates That He's Ready To Return To Heat Lineup

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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — The Miami Heat are looking to finish their season strongly and enter the NBA Playoffs as a team that has a chance to make a run at a fifth straight Finals appearance.

Getting their star player back in the lineup will certainly help.

Dwyane Wade reiterated that he plans to play Friday when the Heat open their post-All-Star schedule in New York against the Knicks.

Wade practiced fully on Wednesday in the Heat's first workout since the break. He hasn't played since Jan. 27 because of a hamstring strain.

He says, "I feel like I'll be playing on Friday. ... I'm ready to go."

Also back at practice was Hassan Whiteside (ankle) and Shawne Williams (hip). Miami did not have Chris Bosh at practice, after the Heat sent him home because of illness.

The Heat have 30 games left and hold the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Miami is one of six teams nestled within two games in the race for the No. 7 and No. 8 spots.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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