10 key games that will shape remaining NBA season

	Thursday's showdown in San Antonio is likely to be far from the last word Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki have to say to each other about who's best in the West. Greg Nelson/SI

This is the time of year when NBA watchers start thinking seriously about the playoffs. (Actually, they've been doing that since the beginning of the year.) I'm eager for the warm weather and the postseason showdowns, too, but here's a five-pack of pre-playoff games from each conference that hold some interest --and one of them is upon us -- and just may have playoff significance.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Thurs., March 2: Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs

As everyone knows, the Mavs and Spurs are staging what looks to be a down-to-the-wire battle for first place in the West, and, more important, homecourt advantage throughout the postseason. Tonight's game (TNT, 9:30 p.m. ET) will have a playoff atmosphere. They play again in San Antonio on April 7, but both teams want to make a statement tonight.

Sun., March 5: Phoenix Suns at Dallas Mavericks

Their memorable 2005 second-round playoff battle (won by the Suns in six) still resonates in both towns. Each franchise wants to shake off the label as fun-to-watch-but-not-as-tough-as-the-Spurs. They play again in Phoenix on April 13, but the Mavs have already taken two from the Suns, and red-hot Phoenix wants to show it's a championship contender for real. It's hell week for the Mavs.

Sat., April 15: Sacramento Kings at Denver Nuggets

Since the Kings landed Ron Artest, they've been talking about a rally that would land them the eighth playoff spot. But they've been up and down, as have the Nuggets, who will probably back into first place (and the third seed) in the pathetic Northwest Division. By this point, it will be interesting to see which team has risen and which has fallen.

Tues., April 18: Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies

Right now these two teams hold fifth and sixth, respectively, in the West. This is where it gets interesting: The sixth place team will have the easier first-round draw, getting the Northwest winner, probably Denver. The fifth-place team will get San Antonio or Dallas. Hmm, wonder which team will be playing harder if this game does indeed have seeding significance.