When/where: 7:30 p.m., AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami.

Broadcast: TV ?UPN. Radio ? WIOD (610-AM), WACC (830-AM).

Tickets: 2,000 remain (balcony closed)

About the Nets: The most improved team in the NBA enters with a 13-7 record, the franchise?s best start since Julius Erving was on the team during its ABA heyday in the early ?70s. The major difference between last year?s club and the first-place Nets is the addition of point guard Jason Kidd, who is averaging 13.4 points, 10 assists and 7.3 rebounds. Kidd leads all guards in rebounding. His ability to set up teammates has led to five Nets averaging in double figures, including F Keith Van Horn (17 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and last year?s No. 1 draft pick, F Kenyon Martin (15.4 ppg). Martin is finally healthy after an injury-plagued rookie season (he fractured his leg for second consecutive year). F Jamie Feick (Achilles) and F Brian Scalabrine (fractured foot) are on the injured list.

About the Heat: The Heat released small forward Sam Mack Thursday to make room for swingman Kendall Gill, who is expected to be activated before tonight?s game after missing the past 16 games with a fractured left pinky. Gill, who played for the Nets from 1995-01, most likely will see time in the backcourt with G Eddie Jones because of Kidd?s and G Kerry Kittles? size advantage over PGs Anthony Carter and Rod Strickland. C Alonzo Mourning should have a quickness advantage over 7-foot Todd MacCulloch. Chris Gatling, Vladimir Stepania and Jim Jackson all have played for the Nets. F Malik Allen (left leg tendinitis) and C Ernest Brown (jammed right thumb) remain on the injured list.

Off the court: Miami Heat clock sponsored by Miccosukee Gaming to first 12,000 fans.