Boston is the only one of those three teams that has yet to clinch a playoff spot. They need to finish the season strong to hold off Allen Iverson and the pesky 76ers. Miami should be more concerned about getting Shaq healthy for the playoffs. They need a productive Shaq to help open their jump shooters and Dwayne Wade. Detroit has been playing well of late, and is looking like the early favorite to face Miami in the Conference finals.

San Antonio, Phoenix, and Seattle have stayed atop the Western Conference standings, but San Antonio and Phoenix are battling for the best record in the West.

San Antonio has struggled with Tim Dunacan hurt, and will need him healthy to play at their best. The Phoenix Suns are still lighting up the scoreboard with their fast-paced offense. It will be interesting to see anyone can create a scheme to slow them down. Seattle has fallen off with the other two teams. They have been playing poor of late, and they have four tough games to close out the schedule. Key players like Antonio Daniels need some time to heal their injuries if Seattle wants to make it deep in the playoffs. Dallas has been playing well after a poor March record, but whether Dirk Nowitzki can lead Dallas back to the conference finals is questionable.