Even though the Heat is 18-29 and 12th in the Eastern Conference, coach Pat Riley said Monday the playoffs are a realistic goal.

Miami, which reconvened for an evening practice after a five-day All-Star break, is six games behind Orlando and Philadelphia, which are tied for the seventh spot in the East. But the Heat has five more losses than those teams.

''That's not much,'' Riley said. ``We picked up seven games in six weeks. We can pick up five if we take care of business. Once we're even with all those teams who are eight and seven, then we can start really thinking about something better. . . . Everybody thought the season was up in flames.

''We'll have other games we lose that we probably should win,'' Riley said, referring to a home loss to Atlanta on Feb 5. ``We can't afford it. . . . Somewhere along the way, you have to stop digging a hole.

``We have to focus in on a few things we know are hurting us -- not defending off the dribble on close-outs, fouling people, transition defense.''

CARTER: I'M READY

Anthony Carter, recovered from sports-hernia surgery, said he's ready to play Wednesday against Orlando, and Riley suggested he would be the backup point guard. Rookie Mike James, who missed practice with a virus, likely will replace Carter on the injured list.

? After a three-hour practice, players were required to ride stationary bicycles for 30 minutes. But Riley said players returned in good shape.