EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- NBA Commissioner David Stern is hopeful a deal can be worked out that will allow the Nets to move from the Meadowlands and play in New Jersey's largest city.

"I get a sense that it makes too much sense for the Nets, for Newark and the state for something not to be worked out," Stern said.

He spoke minutes before the Nets played the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of their best-of-5 first-round playoff series at the Continental Airlines Arena on Monday night.

"Unfortunately, I have a lot of experience in these matters, more than I'd like to have," Stern said. "Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I'm hopeful that signs here are that it is going to work."

YankeeNets, the company that owns both the Nets and New Jersey Devils of the NHL, has been trying to work out a deal with the state to build a new arena in Newark and to move the teams there.

The two sides are still involved in negotiations and Stern said he would join the talks if invited.

"I think the parties are all people of very good faith. I fully expect them to be able to reach an accomodation," Stern said.

When asked about a gap of eight days between Games 2 and 4 in the Nets-Pacers series, Stern blamed it on television scheduling.

"Weekend television, that's the pure and simple answer (as to current format) is what motivated that," Stern said.

Stern also credited the current collective bargaining agreement and strong ownership for the rise of the Nets franchise. New Jersey posted a 52-30 record, just one year after going 26-56.

"The Nets are proof positive that with the draft, trades, development of your own players, bringing in the right coach and general manager, having a management structure through Lou Lamoriello saying to Rod Thorn, 'Do it or don't do it,' that this is a franchise very much on the move in a very positive direction," Stern said.

While speaking on a number of issues, Stern said he expects the first round of the playoffs to become a best-of-7 next year. The move would require the approval of the players association.

The commissioner predicted that Charlotte would be allowed to move to New Orleans for next season.

"My sense, without a vast array of knowledge, is that they are going to be able to hit the benchmarks and that the committee will recommend that the team be permitted to move," he said.

Stern said it would create a surreal atmosphere if the move was approved and Charlotte made the final round.

"It's a very interesting league and that would be one more interesting thing."