51.   Pitino knows the Celtics must make the playoffs this season.

52.   Plus, whatever club or clubs they meet in the playoffs this season will become instant rivals for years to come.

53.   Phoenix reached the playoffs last season and lost in four games to the Sacramento Kings in the first round.

54.   Remember the playoffs last season?

55.   Rivera did not really start countering that adjustment until late in the playoffs last season.

56.   Seven of the highest-payroll teams were among the eight in the playoffs last season.

57.   Since then, they have aimed for the playoffs this season.

58.   Some of the Mavericks are still misguidedly talking about making a run for the playoffs this season.

59.   Six of those made the playoffs last season.

60.   Still, no playoffs this season.