New Orleans Hornets

	Byron Scott's Hornets are in position to make the playoffs despite myriad injuries. John W. McDonough/SI

Current position: 9th
Games left: 25 (12 home, 13 road; 11 against teams above .500)
Key dates: 3/6 at Denver; 4/7 at Minnesota; 4/10 vs. Clippers; 4/13 vs. Nuggets; 4/18 at Clippers
Analysis: I like the Hornets. They have overcome a litany of injuries to their core to remain within striking distance of a playoff spot. And with Chris Paul regaining his Rookie of the Year form, Tyson Chandler playing like Ben Wallace and Peja Stojakovic making noise about returning this season, the Hornets could be a dangerous first-round opponent. The fact that they have a favorable schedule is an advantage, but not if they continue to play down to their opponents. Don't underestimate Byron Scott's influence: Scott has been in playoff wars with New Jersey and is a master motivator, an attribute that will be crucial for this young team coming down the stretch.
Prediction: 7th, with a shot at climbing to 6th

Minnesota Timberwolves

Current position: 10th
Games left: 25 (12 home, 13 road; 10 against teams above .500)
Key dates: 3/16 at Warriors; 4/7 vs. Hornets; 4/15 at Golden State; 4/16 at Denver
Analysis: Any team with Kevin Garnett is dangerous, but Minnesota has some serious chemistry issues to work out. The Big Ticket was frustrated by the Timberwolves' failure to acquire any help at the trade deadline ("Thank God for opt-outs," he was quoted as saying), and owner Glen Taylor's tepid public support for Randy Wittman is at the very least an unnecessary distraction. Minnesota is 6-11 since Wittman took over last month, Mike James is a shooting guard playing out of position, Mark Blount has tapered off since the All-Star break and Ricky Davis is still, well, Ricky Davis. With Dwane Casey at the helm, the Timberwolves had an excellent shot at the playoffs. Without him, they are just another team on the outside looking in. Look for wholesale changes in Minnesota after another disappointing season.
Prediction: Out of the playoffs

Golden State Warriors

Current position: 11th
Games left: 24 (11 home, 13 road; 13 games against teams above .500)
Key dates: 3/7 vs. Denver; 3/9 vs. Clippers; 3/16 vs. Minnesota; 4/15 vs. Minnesota
Analysis: The Warriors' playoff drought (they haven't extended their season since 1994) has become epic, the kind of futility that leads to long-winded tales of their ineptitude. Give Don Nelson credit: Nellie has successfully blended his new players into the old mix while putting his stamp (read: lots of offense, no defense) on the Warriors. Golden State has the best home record of the bunch but unfortunately has the fewest home games down the stretch (the Warriors have six road victories all season). History suggests that teams clamp down defensively in the season's final months, and Golden State and Memphis appear to be the only two teams not interested in playing any. Nelson will eventually get the Warriors back into the postseason, but it will likely take him another two years to do it. That is, of course, assuming he doesn't hold a fire sale in the Bay Area every February.
Prediction: Out of the playoffs