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NBA News, Notes, and Observations: March 27, 2008

Andrew Ungvari

Senior Writer Written on March 27, 2008

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It's time for Round Three of my News, Notes & Observations.

1) The best is yet to come...

The season has 19 days left and a plethora of exciting games left, starting with tonight's game between the Mavs and Nuggets in Denver. The Mavs currently lead the Nuggets by two games in the playoff race.

Since the teams have split their first two games this season, the Mavs can go a long way towards securing a playoff spot with a victory tonight. A win would not only give the Mavs a three-game lead over the Nuggets, but by winning the season series, they would clinch the tie-breaker, making their lead a virtual four games.

If both the Mavs lose and the Warriors beat the Blazers tonight, then the Mavs and Warriors would be tied in the loss column for the 7th and 8th seed.

2) The Suns are playing much better but...

The Suns have won 7 out of their last 10 games and are now 10-8 since Shaq's arrival. Even though the team has had impressive home victories against the Celtics, Spurs, Warriors and Rockets they have yet to beat a team contending for a playoff spot on the road with Shaq. They are 0-4 against New Orleans, Denver, Detroit and Boston. Their only road victories have come against Portland, Memphis and Seattle.

The Suns play their next two games Friday and Saturday in Philadelphia and New Jersey, respectively. A win against the Sixers would be a good start since they still have road games left against Denver, San Antonio and Houston.

If they can't win more than one of the four against Denver, San Antonio, Houston and Philadelphia then I'm not convinced the Suns will get out of the first-round without home-court advantage.

3) I warned you, Laker fans...

Back in January I wrote an article about three non-playoff teams that would play a part in the playoff race: Sacramento, Atlanta and Charlotte. Well, the Lakers lost at home to the Kings on March 9th and lost to the Bobcats at home last night.

The schedule-makers did them a huge favor by giving them such a home-heavy schedule to end the season. They seem to be doing their best to mess it up. You can use injuries as an excuse for losing to the Warriors at home but you can't do it to justify losses to the Kings and Bobcats.

4) Tanking season is in full swing...

First it was Dwyane Wade. Now it looks like Shawn Marion is pretending that back spasms are keeping him out of action. Even Brandon Roy appears to be done for the year. Chris Wilcox is missing games with a pinkie sprain.

Have these teams learned nothing from the Celtics and Wolves? The Basketball Gods are not very fond of tanking. The Clippers are the only team that appears to be shooting for karma points. Elton Brand is hoping to play in the team's last five games.

5) The Grizzlies are targeting Larry Brown...

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written on March 27, 2008 Sports

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