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Matter Around the Water Cooler

Here is what you missed on a busy day back at work…

• Dolphins signed RB Ray Perkins and OL Johnathan Ingram. Ingram is a practice squad type who’s spent time with Kansas City in previous seasons. Perkins was with Cam Cameron in San Diego for a period and will battle Jesse Chatman and Patrick Cobbs for a spot.

• The Dolphins are expected to try to trade Dan Wilkinson again if he decides he doesn’t want to retire. The Dolphins haven’t had contact with Wilkinson since he decided not to go for a physical to finalize a trade to Denver. Chase Page was assigned his old number and Wilkinson will probably end up being released.

• Pat Riley’s plan is to start Jason Kapono in the playoffs, a move that will send Eddie Jones to the bench. “Eddie’ll be the first guy off the bench with Pose,” Riley said, as the Heat hope to capture the magic they had with Kapono and Dwyane Wade before they both suffered devastating injuries earlier this season.

• Panther defenseman Bryan Allen is recovering from successful surgery to repair a sports hernia. He had the procedure on Friday and all went well. Allen should be ready to participate fully in all activities once Florida opens training camp in late August. Other Panther players who will be having surgery on Monday include: Olli Jokinen (wrist), Mike Van Ryn (wrist) and Steve Montador (nose).

• Despite a torn left calf muscle that is supposed to keep him out up to three weeks, Gary Payton participated in practice Sunday. Riley wouldn’t say whether Payton would be available for the playoffs.

• UCF officially will drop “Golden” as part of its nickname at a June 14 unveiling of its new logo. New “UCF Knights” merchandise goes on sale the next day. The event is part of a summer-long marketing campaign UCF announced Thursday called “The Knights Are Coming Home” that will promote the school’s new athletic markings.

The Heat are back in action tonight for their home finale before the playoffs. They take on the lottery ticket Celtics at 7:30 PM EST. Check out the tip on Sun Sports.

Check your Marlin preview after the jump…