Don't look now, but here comes Michael Jordan.

As if the Heat didn't have enough to worry about in its chase for the playoffs, it now must deal with an additional obstacle as Jordan returned to the Washington Wizards' lineup Wednesday night after spending 12 games on the injured list following arthroscopic knee surgery.

Washington, which until Jordan's somewhat unexpected return had been an afterthought in postseason chatter, began Wednesday night tied with the Heat at 2 ? games behind eighth-place Charlotte in the Eastern Conference race. Miami, Washington and Charlotte won Wednesday night, keeping the scenario the same.

During Jordan's absence, the Wizards dropped eight of 12 games. It should come as no surprise that Jordan is back, Heat coach Pat Riley said.

''I think he probably always had the intention of coming back,'' Riley said. ``They still have a shot. 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 amazed at all.''