Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports: Having already lost the starting point-guard job handed to him before the season, Anthony Carter expects to return to the Heat's active roster next week trying to salvage a season that hasn't come close to expectations.

''It has been a big disappointment,'' said Carter, who hasn't played since Dec. 18 because of a sports hernia that required surgery. ``Now that I'm 100 percent, I should have no problems getting back to where I was in the past.''

The Heat opened 3-15 before Rod Strickland replaced Carter in the starting lineup Dec. 11. Before being sidelined, Carter averaged 6.3 points, 6.2 assists and two turnovers and shot just 37.1 percent. Because of his erratic jump shot, defenders didn't guard him closely on the perimeter, which limited his ability to penetrate.

Carter, 26, isn't sure if we will automatically assume backup point-guard duties ahead of Eddie House. Coach Pat Riley has been noncommittal.

Carter said the injury -- initially diagnosed as a lower-abdominal strain -- hampered him early in the season. He said he's determined to play like he did in a first-round playoff sweep of Detroit two years ago, when he averaged 9.3 points and 9.7 assists.