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Well, this is it. The NBA season doesn't end on Sunday, but three days later on Wednesday. However, if the Bucks or Magic intend to get that final East playoff spot, they need to win games this weekend. And if the Knicks or Heat plan on leading the East as the top seed, they need to win this weekend. And if Philly ... oh, you get the point.
As usual, there are some big games for TV purposes this weekend, but we're going to try to look past that and spotlight the ones that affect playoff positioning. Everyone loves to watch the Lakers, but their Friday game against the Kings really means little for them, especially with Shaq hurting.
So here's the latest version of Weekly Tip-Off, summarizing the players and games to watch this weekend. And, as always, click here to register your comments via e-mail.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Reggie Miller
Pacers
Time to stop whining and put up some big numbers. This Heat game is key.
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Tim Hardaway
Heat
Will he play, and will he be effective? Heat only one game up on Knicks
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Tim Duncan
Spurs
Same as Hardaway. Will he play? Spurs could fall to sixth seed
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Elton Brand
Bulls
Last chance to impress rookie voters is this weekend
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Ray Allen
Bucks
Bucks have to keep winning, because they should be playoff team
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SUNDAY: Orlando at Miami, 3 p.m. ET
Why you should care: It's not the big Florida rivalry that the NBA was looking for, at least not yet, but there's still time for one to develop. However, with the Heat trying for the East's top spot and at least the Atlantic title, while the upstart Magic fighting for the final playoff berth, there's a lot on the line. And that's including whatever results occurred on Friday night.
What to watch for: Orlando has played a little up and down all season. But let's face it, the Magic weren't supposed to win half their games. They were supposed to win 10-15. So even if the playoffs don't come calling, Doc Rivers has been a magnificent coach. This game is big, though Monday's Bucks-Magic clash matters a great deal as well. If Orlando is a game back going into Monday though, it may not matter since they've lost the tiebreaker. For the record, the Miami won the first two games between the teams this season (one in Orlando), but then a mere two weeks ago the Magic spanked the Heat 94-69 and held Pat Riley's group to 19 second-half points.
Key players/matchups: Instead of focusing totally on the last meeting, let's look at the other two games, both of which were down to the wire. Orlando can beat the Heat (something the Magic would love if these teams met in the first round). Tim Hardaway and his bum knee creates a bad matchup for the Heat, as Darrell Armstrong and Chucky Atkins are top-notch defenders and good ball handlers. Anthony Carter would be overmatched for 40 minutes or more.
Who should win: The Heat are playing for first and the Magic might look ahead to Monday. Nah, not with Doc. We'll take the Magic.
SUNDAY: Sacramento at Portland, 3 p.m. ET
Why you should care: Because these are two interesting stories out West as we prepare for the postseason. The Blazers have been expected all year to go to the NBA Finals, but the way they are playing, they might not get out of the first round against Minnesota. And the Kings keep losing games that may cost them the No. 7 spot, and they might have to face the Lakers. They say they wouldn't mind that, but you know they'd rather see Utah.
What to watch for: The Blazers have won all three meetings this season, though they've been close games. Why is that? Well, the Kings do play a lot of close games, but when Jason Williams is throwing the rock all over the building, it's tough to win close games. Portland has picked up on that. Look for JW to be a little more in control this time, though he wasn't in close losses to Minnesota, Phoenix and San Antonio in the past week.
Key players/matchups: Portland has gotten Brian Grant back into the flow, and he's playing a lot of minutes and holding his own. Can he stand up to Chris Webber? We think he can.
Who should win: Portland's won the first three, and though they have had letdowns against non-playoffs teams recently, we say they do like they did vs. Utah this week and beat the Kings again.
SUNDAY: Minnesota at L.A. Lakers, 5:30 p.m. ET
Why you should care: Well it looks like the Wolves are pretty safe in the No. 6 spot (they can't drop, could catch the Spurs) and we know the Lakers are set. But no matter who plays in this game (Shaq, that is) the Wolves could get a huge confidence boost winning in L.A. And even if they don't, they figure to make the game fun and exciting. Kevin Garnett usually does.
What to watch for: No team ever wants to lose, so the Lakers will be trying to win. With that said, look for Garnett and Kobe Bryant, two of the top young guys in the league, to put on a show. The Wolves normally start Malik Sealy at the two, and he would get Kobe. Sealy isn't the same type of scorer, but he does care about defense. Meanwhile, A.C. Green and unsung Robert Horry have to deal with KG. Of course, KG might have to deal with Shaq, because we're not sure Radoslav Nesterovic can (or wants to).
Key players/matchups: Horry has done a great job this year of playing defense on big guys like KG, and he does find some time to shoot a bit as well. A guy with energy like that could give Garnett some issues. The Lakers have won all three games this year. The first two were close, then the Lakers won by 33 at Staples. Garnett did have 29 in that game, but no other starter was in double figures and the Wolves shot .341.
Who should win: Sorry, Wolves fans, these are the Lakers. Best team wins.
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