New Orleans (51-22) entered its trip with the best winning percentage in the West, and has won four of the first five games to remain at the top of the conference - percentage points ahead of Southwest Division rival San Antonio.

The Hornets survived a tough test on Tuesday night to protect their conference lead. Peja Stojakovic scored six points in the final minute on a 3-pointer and three free throws as New Orleans beat Southeast Division champion Orlando 98-97 for its franchise-record 24th road win.

The Hornets totaled only 36 road wins in their previous three seasons.

Stojakovic had missed eight of his first nine attempts, including each of his first four 3-point attempts before his clutch shot with 54 seconds left extended his streak of consecutive games with a 3-pointer to 36.

"You have to give yourself a chance," said Stojakovic, who's eighth in NBA history with 1,398 career 3-pointers and shooting a career-best 45.6 percent from behind the arc this season. "I always say that. If you don't shoot, you are never going to find out."

New Orleans point guard Chris Paul had 19 points and 12 assists Tuesday, but struggled from the field, going 6-for-19, including 0-for-4 from 3-point range. Paul averaged 24.0 points and 13.3 assists while shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 46.0 percent from behind the arc in 15 games in March.

Paul and the Hornets hope to continue their strong road play against the Heat (13-61), who have the league's worst home record at 7-29.

Miami snapped a seven-game home losing streak the last time it played at AmericanAirlines Arena on March 24 against Milwaukee, but is returning from an 0-4 road trip that capped a 2-15 March. The Heat are in danger of finishing with the worst record in franchise history. They went 15-67 in their inaugural 1988-89 season.

"We're in no race for the playoffs, so all we can do is get better every time we step on the court and get ready for next year," said rookie guard Daequan Cook after leading the Heat with 16 points off the bench in a 105-85 loss at Indiana on Monday night.

Shawn Marion (back spasms), Marcus Banks (hamstring) and Jason Williams (thumb) all missed that game because of injuries, and none are expected to return Wednesday. Instead, the trio will join teammates Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Alonzo Mourning and Dorell Wright - each of whom has been shut down for the season - working phones at halftime. They will be fielding calls from people looking to buy Heat season tickets.

Miami has lost three of its last four games against New Orleans, including the teams' first meeting this season on Jan. 11. Paul made all seven of his shots and finished with 16 points and 16 assists in that 114-88 victory.