1.   And as the playoff race is shaping up, the Lakers could wind up meeting the Jazz in the first round.

2.   And he is looking at the Rockets game as another chance to make up ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

3.   Anaheim is currently in sixth place in the tight Western Conference playoff race with seven games remaining.

4.   Anaheim is currently tied for fourth place in the tight Western Conference playoff race with three games remaining.

5.   And having a wild card keeps teams who would otherwise be playing out the string in the playoff race.

6.   And no matter what some Cubs fans say about being more focused on the playoff race, Sosa is the only reason John J. Ralph was here Thursday night.

7.   And, as a result, they are ruining what is by far the best and tightest playoff race in years.

8.   And things could be brought to a boil as the Revolution struggle to remain in the MLS playoff race and the US Open Cup tournament.

9.   Another night, another opportunity lost for the Mighty Ducks in their frustrating attempt to battle back into the Western Conference playoff race.

10.   Any other outcomes would extend the playoff race to Sunday, when Columbus meets Tampa Bay and the MetroStars visit D.C. United.