1.  Tonight is another early showdown for the still-developing Lakers at the Rose Garden.

2.  What truly set the tone for April, though, was two early showdowns with Schilling.

3.  With the victory, the Knicks set up an intriguing early showdown in the Atlantic Division with the Miami Heat this week.

4.  The top three women in figure skating will gather next week in an early pre-Olympic showdown.