SI.com's John Hollinger weighs in with his forecast of the weekend's biggest games each Friday.
Apr. 11-13
Fri., 7 p.m. EDT
Milwaukee at Toronto
"Mr. Jordan, I have the Fat Lady on Line 2 ..." Milwaukee is almost certain to clinch Friday against a battered Raptors team that will be missing both Antonio Davis and Vince Carter. This won't technically knock the Wizards out, since they can still catch the Magic, but basically, it's over.
Bucks 94, Raptors 87
Fri., 8 p.m. EDT
Orlando at Indiana
Presuming Milwaukee wins, Orlando has a chance to knock Mr. Jordan out for good (if he doesn't knock himself out in Miami), but they'll probably have to wait a night. Indiana is playing much better of late and has always been trouble at home, and the Magic are still missing Drew Gooden. Pacers 106, Magic 100
Fri., 8:30 p.m. EDT
Detroit at New Orleans
Both teams are a bit beat up right now, but both have outstanding coaches who have them winning games regardless. But I'll pick the Hornets, based on this rule of thumb: Never bet on a team that has already clinched a playoff berth and is staying a short cab ride from Bourbon Street.
Hornets 86, Pistons 83
Fri., 9:30 p.m. EDT
Golden State at Phoenix
To the shock of even their own players and coaches, Golden State is still in playoff contention heading into Game 79. They won't make it to Game 80, though. Phoenix has been a tough home court team all season, and anyway has too many weapons for the young Warriors.
Suns 114, Warriors 109
Sat., 7 p.m. EDT
Boston at Orlando
Orlando can still catch Boston for the No. 6 seed in the East with a win here. On the flip side, if Orlando loses and the Jordannaires have taken care of things in Miami the previous night, the race for No. 8 could still get interesting. But the way Boston is playing, that's unlikely. Magic 96, Celtics 83
Sun., 3 p.m. EDT
Indiana at Milwaukee
This one's an odd matchup. The Bucks have two point guards, while the Pacers play without one. The Pacers have two centers, while the Bucks just play with five perimeter players and let the chips fall where they may. And then there's the whole Ron Artest factor. A weird, weird game.
Pacers 108, Bucks 100
Sun., 3:30 p.m. EDT
L.A. Lakers at Portland
The Blazers are reeling after last week's crime spree further sullied their reputation and knocked Ruben Patterson out of action. Following the basic rule of the Portland pugilists being completely and utterly unpredictable, this means they'll beat the champs by 15 on Sunday.
Trail Blazers 96, Lakers 81
Sun. 8:30 p.m. EDT
New Orleans at Philadelphia
This could be the 4-5 matchup in the Eastern Conference playoffs; in fact, it's a likelihood if New Orleans wins. With Allen Iverson, Keith Van Horn and Derrick Coleman all in varying states of hobbledness, that's a good bet to happen, even though the 76ers will have the home-court edge. Hornets 90, 76ers 87
Sun., 9 p.m. EDT
San Antonio at Phoenix
The Spurs are hotter than Hades right now, so perhaps it's only fitting that they visit the only place hotter. Phoenix has been playing well of late to all but secure the No. 8 playoff spot in the West; Unfortunately, this game will provide them with an ominous preview of the savage first-round beating to come. Spurs 93, Suns 83
Fri., 9 p.m. EDT
Upset of the Week:
Dallas at Utah
Dallas desperately needs to win this game to maintain contact with San Antonio heading into Wednesday's showdown; they'll drop two games back with a loss. But I don't think they can get it done without Michael Finley, especially without anyone who can guard the Mailman.
Jazz 96, Mavericks 91
