Why Not The Nets?

After a season filled with injuries, trades, and change, the Nets have somehow climbed right back into the Eastern playoff race this week. Two Philadelphia losses and two Net wins leave them a mere 1.5 games out of the NBA playoffs heading into April.

On Wednesday, Carter and company breezed to a 95-78 win over the hapless L.A. Clippers, who never led in the contest. VC scored 31 and youngster Nenad Krstic added 17 in the team effort, which also featured great passing that led to 34 team assists. The Nets get another present Friday, as they're playing the even more hapless Knicks!

In other NBA news: Seattle's Ray Allen hates San Antonio's Bruce Bowen, the Phoenix Suns clinch the Pacific, and ESPN predicts few playoff surprises.

Photo by AP - Bill Kostroun