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NBA NOTEBOOK
By Alan Rolli, Managing Editor
It's hard enough winning in the final week of the NBA regular season, let alone the final day with eight of the 16 playoff seeds yet to be determined. You've got some teams jockeying for position and others simply resting their key players. Although keeping in mind you probably need to be an MIT grad to analyze the playoff picture, let's take a look at a few of tonight's key games.
New Jersey at Indiana
A meaningless game for the Nets. But, if the Pacers' win, they clinch the third seed in the East. Note that Indiana center Brad Miller is out tonight resting his sore feet.
Orlando at Milwaukee
A battle for the seventh seed in the East. The Magic have a one-game lead, but a Milwaukee win gives the Bucks the berth because of their better conference record. Milwaukee has won three in a row, and seven of eight overall, and George Karl's group has reeled off eight straight wins at the Bradley Center.
FYI: The LOSER of this game meets Detroit in round one. The Pistons want the Bucks to win because they were 1-3 versus Milwaukee this year, but 2-1 versus Orlando.
Minnesota at Memphis
Minnesota has NEVER won a first-round playoff series in six tries. Minnesota has NEVER enjoyed the home court advantage in a first-round playoff series. If the T'Wolves win tonight, they earn the fourth seed in the West. Time for KG and company to deliver.
If the T'Wolves lose, Portland can move into the fourth hole with a win against the Clippers later in the evening.
By the way, Minnesota has won 15 of its last 16 versus the Grizzlies.
Atlanta at New Orleans
Too complicated to go into much detail, but suffice to say, if New Orleans wins, and Philly loses at home to Washington in Michael Jordan's farewell, the Hornets sneak into fourth in the East and earn the homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Dallas at San Antonio
This game actually has some importance for the Mavs. If they win, and the Kings lose to Utah, Dallas would then enjoy the homecourt edge through the second round of the playoffs.
This is a MEANINGLESS game for San Antonio. Last time the Spurs faced such a contest was two years ago and Gregg Popovich rested most of his starters in a contest against Seattle and the Sonics rolled 105-67. With David Robinson nursing back and knee injuries, Tony Parker fatigued, and Tim Duncan bothered by a nagging ankle injury, watch out.
Phoenix at Seattle
Okay, it's a meaningless game for both teams, but if you're foolish enough to bet it, at least be aware that the Sonics' Rashard Lewis has been suspended for the contest.
By Alan Rolli, Managing Editor
It's hard enough winning in the final week of the NBA regular season, let alone the final day with eight of the 16 playoff seeds yet to be determined. You've got some teams jockeying for position and others simply resting their key players. Although keeping in mind you probably need to be an MIT grad to analyze the playoff picture, let's take a look at a few of tonight's key games.
New Jersey at Indiana
A meaningless game for the Nets. But, if the Pacers' win, they clinch the third seed in the East. Note that Indiana center Brad Miller is out tonight resting his sore feet.
Orlando at Milwaukee
A battle for the seventh seed in the East. The Magic have a one-game lead, but a Milwaukee win gives the Bucks the berth because of their better conference record. Milwaukee has won three in a row, and seven of eight overall, and George Karl's group has reeled off eight straight wins at the Bradley Center.
FYI: The LOSER of this game meets Detroit in round one. The Pistons want the Bucks to win because they were 1-3 versus Milwaukee this year, but 2-1 versus Orlando.
Minnesota at Memphis
Minnesota has NEVER won a first-round playoff series in six tries. Minnesota has NEVER enjoyed the home court advantage in a first-round playoff series. If the T'Wolves win tonight, they earn the fourth seed in the West. Time for KG and company to deliver.
If the T'Wolves lose, Portland can move into the fourth hole with a win against the Clippers later in the evening.
By the way, Minnesota has won 15 of its last 16 versus the Grizzlies.
Atlanta at New Orleans
Too complicated to go into much detail, but suffice to say, if New Orleans wins, and Philly loses at home to Washington in Michael Jordan's farewell, the Hornets sneak into fourth in the East and earn the homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Dallas at San Antonio
This game actually has some importance for the Mavs. If they win, and the Kings lose to Utah, Dallas would then enjoy the homecourt edge through the second round of the playoffs.
This is a MEANINGLESS game for San Antonio. Last time the Spurs faced such a contest was two years ago and Gregg Popovich rested most of his starters in a contest against Seattle and the Sonics rolled 105-67. With David Robinson nursing back and knee injuries, Tony Parker fatigued, and Tim Duncan bothered by a nagging ankle injury, watch out.
Phoenix at Seattle
Okay, it's a meaningless game for both teams, but if you're foolish enough to bet it, at least be aware that the Sonics' Rashard Lewis has been suspended for the contest.