Will the Spurs take it again?

[Accountable]

Who will be watching the NBA playoffs?



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NBA's field is set, but matchups must wait



The Lakers, Bulls, Wizards and Kings claimed the four spots that were remaining entering Sunday, and all that's left with three days to go in the regular season is figuring out the seedings.



While none of the eight first-round matchups have been determined, Los Angeles and Sacramento will have the two bottom spots in the Western Conference - and they both could be dangerous. The Lakers have the scoring of Kobe Bryant, the Kings have the defensive play of Ron Artest, and both teams are surging down the stretch.



"We're not finished," Artest said after the Kings' 96-79 victory over New Orleans. "We've got a long season ahead of us. We're far from done. Our goal is to come out of this year No. 1, and win a championship."



Bryant scored 43 points and the Lakers routed the Phoenix Suns 109-89. Those teams could meet again in the first round, or Los Angeles could end up playing San Antonio or Dallas, whichever gets the No. 1 seed.

"Whoever we play, it's going to be tough because it's two great teams," Bryant said. "We just have to make sure we do our homework and go out there and try to execute."



The East field is more complicated. Washington (40-40) is fifth, while Chicago, Indiana and Milwaukee are all one game behind. Victories Sunday by the Bulls and Wizards eliminated Orlando and Philadelphia - which hoped to compete for the Atlantic Division title this season.



"I take every loss hard, and this is as tough as it gets," 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks said on the team's Web site. "We have a lot of work to do in the offseason, and I plan on sitting down with (team president) Billy (King) as soon the season is over. We don't ever want to be in this position again. This is not a good feeling."

[chonsigirl]

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