LeBron James said it would be nice to “even the score’’ today. Dwyane Wade said it’s a “perfect time’’ for revenge. Chris Bosh said he believes it’s important to win today for the Heat’s confidence as they expect a potential showdown deep in the playoffs.
“It’s MSG,’’ Wade said. “I’m always excited to play there. It’s a team that’s beaten us twice. It’s a perfect time for us.’’
Bosh said he feels extending their 13-game winning streak is not the motivation.
“It’s just to beat the Knicks,’’ Bosh said. “Winning streaks come and go. Most importantly, we have a chance to see them in the postseason, especially late. We don’t want them to have a ton of confidence then.
“Of course we’re confident, but you have to know you can beat a team,’’ Bosh added. “You can’t just drop four and say it’s OK. We have to know we can beat them there and beat them on our floor. We have our work cut out for us.’’
On their way to a title, the Heat certainly beat up the injury-riddled Knicks in the playoffs last April, winning four of five. But Miami has been battered twice by 20 points in two regular-season meetings. But that was three months ago, before the Heat (42-14) reeled off 13 straight.
“We’d liked to do that [gain revenge],’’ Wade said. “A couple of teams have beaten us. We’d like to get those wins. Sunday will be a good test for us. The last time they handled us without Melo [Carmelo Anthony] and played unbelievable.
“Psychologically, we’re fine. We’ve lost to teams in the regular season and beaten them in the playoffs. Last time they hit a lot of 3s and we have to make it tougher on them because we possibly will face them in the playoffs.’’
* Coach Mike Woodson said the Knicks will not cut Rasheed Wallace for a roster spot because his surgery was “successful’’ and he’s still harboring hope of playing deep in the playoffs.
“The fact that we know that the surgery was successful,’’ Woodson said. “Now it’s just up to him to rehab. He wants to play. That was the whole reason for bringing him in. The door is open for him to come back and play.’’
* Marcus Camby, who hasn’t played since Jan. 10, said he’s a “game-time decision.”
Camby told The Post Friday he would play, but the Knicks decided not to scrimmage yesterday and Woodson may want him to have one more contact practice.
* Kenyon Martin and Pablo Prigioni both did not play against Washington. With Jason Kidd on the bench, Prigioni’s role is in jeopardy. … The Heat signed veteran big man Juwan Howard, part of last season’s championship team, to a 10-day contract. The 40-year-old Howard is expected to be with the Heat today.