Major Playoff Implications: Clippers at Nets

It sounds anything but sexy, but Clippers-Nets tonight in the Swamp carries major playoffs implications for both teams. With Richard Jefferson back, New Jersey's as healthy as it's going to be, and thus there should be no excuse for losing to inferior teams. The Clippers are an inferior team, yet they, too, are still in the playoff mix, just half a game behind the Golden State Warriors for the final berth in the West.

The Nets haven't beaten a good team with a winning record since Feb. 27 (Washington). The Clippers snapped a hideous five-game skid with a victory Friday over Charlotte. This game probably means more to the Paper Clips because three of their next four are against playoff teams Chicago, Utah, and Washington.

Last time: Jan. 25, in Los Angeles, Cuttino Mobley hits an open three with 0.6 seconds left to give the Clippers a victory. The Nets had trailed by 18 points in the third quarter. Vince Carter scored a game-high 33 points.

Playoff implications: Indiana is seventh in the East, half a game up on New Jersey. New York and Orlando are half a game back of the Nets. Baron Davis hit the game-winner for the Warriors last night, and thus they took a half-game lead over the Clippers for the 8th spot.

Player to watch: Richard Jefferson of the Nets. He's scored 18, 26, and 20 in his last three games, and he didn't get to play the first time around due to his ankle injury.

Spread: Nets favored by five.

Pick: Can't go Clips here. They're in the midst of a 6-game road trip, which is just brutal to have so late in the season. Like the Nets here, and to cover.