1.   And the Lakers would have loved to see San Antonio open the playoffs without home-court advantage against Phoenix.

2.   And when the Cavaliers open the playoffs against the Knicks on Thursday night, Ferry is expected to cause his opponents considerable problems.

3.   As champions of the National League West, the Dodgers would open the playoffs on Tuesday, either in St. Louis or Montreal.

4.   Atlanta, seeded fourth in the Eastern Conference, opens the playoffs tomorrow at home against Detroit.

5.   Circumstances have changed dramatically as Barkley and the Suns prepare to open the playoffs Friday night against Portland.

6.   Coming into Yankee Stadium to open the playoffs, the Rangers counted heavily upon the huff-and-puff of a dangerous batting order.

7.   Detroit opens the playoffs tomorrow night at home against the St. Louis Blues.

8.   He wanted for Cone to insist on opening the playoffs, which he did.

9.   If Detroit beats Miami, New England would win the AFC East, and the Chiefs would open the playoffs against the Patriots.

10.   If they do, they would open the playoffs at Yankee Stadium for two games before going to California.