Remember Heat center-forward Sean Marks?

The New Zealander, who started six games earlier this season, virtually dropped off the map when he was placed on the injured list in mid-December. He's expected back in the lineup before the road trip ends.

Having not played since Nov. 29, Marks faces a long road after a promising start to the season.

``It is hard to get back because he's a young player,'' coach Pat Riley said before Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. ``Sean hasn't played for about six weeks, but what he showed was a lot of athleticism. He's been working hard on his offensive rebounding, and he's a decent shooter, so he can play outside, but it really set him back when he got hurt.''

Marks' setbacks began with an ankle injury in November that was compounded by a neck strain that prompted the move to the injured list. Until then, Marks had been making nice impressions on the Miami coaching staff with his effort and skills.

When center Alonzo Mourning missed five games with flu-like symptoms, Marks rose to the challenge. In his first start -- he had played 13 games with Toronto before this season -- Marks scored 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting against Seattle on Nov. 6.

In 36 minutes against Milwaukee on Nov. 20, Marks grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds.

But the challenge now is getting an opportunity. Most of his previous minutes came while Mourning and Brian Grant were out of the lineup.


``I've been practicing with the guys, so I'm up to date with everything,'' Marks said. ``I just haven't had the game time. I think the coaches just look for me to go out there and give some energy and try and make something happen, whether it's on the offensive end or the defensive end. I just want to help in whatever way possible.''

Marks, averaging 5.7 points and 4.6 rebounds and shooting just under 48 percent, has joined the Heat on its four-game West Coast trip. Riley said he likely will activate Marks before the end of the trip, which ends Thursday at Portland.