1.   Both Means and Humphries have declared themselves fit for the playoff opener.

2.   But Johnson, coming off a five-day break, would then be as fresh as a daisy for the playoff opener.

3.   But when the Devils needed Sykora the most, he bruised his right foot in the playoff opener in Carolina when struck by a shot by Scott Stevens.

4.   For the first half of their playoff opener against the Blazers Sunday, the Lakers still appeared to be fumbling in the dark.

5.   He caught only two passes the next two games and got shut out in the playoff opener against Miami.

6.   If the Kings can pass the Coyotes, they probably will play Colorado in their playoff opener.

7.   Instead, he helped pave the way for them to lose their playoff opener.

8.   NBC got its wish, getting the Lakers-Sacramento Kings playoff opener Sunday afternoon, instead of Saturday - and gave the Lakers an extra day to prepare.

9.   On the eve of the playoff opener against Utah, Hakeem Olajuwon discusses his physical condition and his mental outlook.

10.   Six times they have faced Martinez, including the playoff opener last fall, and have lost to him five times.