NBA playoffs

Last update: April 13, 2008 - 12:24 AM

The first round of the NBA playoffs begins Saturday. Here is how the matchups lined up heading into today's games (the regular season ends Wednesday):

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) New Orleans vs. (8) Denver

(2) L.A. Lakers vs. (7) Dallas

(3) San Antonio vs. (6) Phoenix

(4) Utah vs. (5) Houston

• There's still plenty up for grabs in the West, including the Southwest title, one playoff spot and seeding for all eight positions.

• Denver or Golden State will get the final playoff spot. Denver holds the tiebreaker.

• Whoever finishes ninth will be the winningest team ever to miss the playoffs in the 16-team format.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Boston vs. (8) Atlanta

(2) Detroit vs. (7) Philadelphia

(3) Orlando vs. (6) Toronto

(4) Cleveland vs. (5) Washington

• Seven of the eight playoff spots have been clinched. Atlanta, which has not reached the playoffs since 1999, has the inside track on the final spot.

• Boston, which will finish with the best record in the league, set the NBA record for biggest single-season turnaround.

• The 76ers have won 22 of their past 31 and have won two in a row vs. Detroit.

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