Even after seeing the last of Michael Jordan on his team's schedule, Heat coach Pat Riley was confident he had not seen the last of the Wizards forward in the playoff race.

Now, with Jordan off Washington's injured list and back in the equation, Riley said there is an added challenge for the teams battling for one of the final playoff berths in the Eastern Conference.

 
"I think he probably always had the intention of coming back," Riley said Wednesday night before the Heat faced the Philadelphia 76ers at First Union Center. "I think everybody is thinking for him and wishing for him."

Jordan went on the injured list after sitting out the fourth quarter of a Feb. 24 loss in Miami. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee three days later, expecting to be sidelined for three to six weeks.

"He feels strong and he's going to come back to play," Riley said. "That's why he's here. And he still has a shot. There's no doubt they have a shot and he knows that, and he's going to try to give 'em an opportunity to achieve that.

"I don't think he wants to waste this year by sitting on the sidelines and not giving his team a shot to make the playoffs. I'm not surprised at all that he's coming back."

Heat players understand Jordan's return changes the face of the playoff race.

"I'm sure Michael wants to come back and show everybody it's not over for me," forward Kendall Gill said. "And with the extra incentive of the playoffs, that'll probably even make him better."