The Brooklyn Nets begin a tough three-game stretch Wednesday when they host the visiting Miami Heat to the Barclays Center at 8:00 pm ET.

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The Heat (28-13) already beat the Nets twice this season -- "smacked," says Nets coach P.J. Carlesimo, who described another Nets defeat as "annihilated," apparently believing that when the Nets fall, "losing" isn't enough of a description.

Fortunately for them, it hasn't happened often since Carlesimo was promoted to interim coach when Avery Johnson was fired Dec. 27.

The Nets rebounded from their first two-game losing streak under Carlesimo with a 97-77 victory over Orlando on Monday. Yet Carlesimo was still dwelling Tuesday on the losses last week at Memphis and Houston that saddled them with a 2-2 mark on a road trip which began with an impressive victory over the Knicks.

Meanwhile, LeBron James  has been efficient against the Nets this season, averaging 20.5 points on 55.6 percent shooting along with 10.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists.

Dwyane Wade, though, has been the offensive star in the season series, averaging 28.0 points and shooting 70.6 percent from the floor in the two victories, both in Miami.

The Heat had their four-game winning streak snapped Sunday with a 100-98 double-overtime loss at Boston. James had 34 points, a season-high 16 rebounds, seven assists and three steals as Miami shot just 40.6 percent -- its third-worst mark of the season.