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NCAA: #1 Kansas (35-3) at #1 North Carolina (36-2)
Saturday Apr 5th, 8:47 pm ET, CBS

Josh Howard
G-F | Dallas Mavericks | Winston-Salem, North Carolina.| Height: 6-7 | Weight: 210 lbs.

Averaging 20 points and 7 rebounds, Josh Howard is making a name for himself in the NBA, as one of the elite scorers in the league. Howard can be used as both a forward and guard, posessing great ball handling and jumping abililty, as well as lock-down defense. Josh has had to bear the brunt of the offense for Dallas, with the departure of Devin Harris via trade and the injury to Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas' leading scorer, but he has been up for the challenge and some. Josh is averaging 31 points since Nowitzki went down, desperately trying to will the Mavericks into the post season.

There is a three way battle shaping up for the final two spots in the talent-rich Western Conference between the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Dallas Mavericks. Once a lock for the post season, the Mavericks have been in a slide since trading for Jason Kidd and losing their all-star forward. It is now square on the shoulders of Josh Howard to prove that he is an allstar, and keep the Mavericks afloat and into the playoffs.

The Mavericks big push for the playoffs really begins in tomorrow's showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers. Watch for Howard to be matched up with both Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom. The Mavs will need a big game from #5 if they hope to defeat the Lakers and keep their playoff hopes alive. Catch Howard and the Mavericks against Kobe and the Lakers, this Friday on Jacked.com.

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 30: Josh Howard #5 of the Dallas Mavericks goes up for the lay-up against the Golden State Warriors on March 30, 2008 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Josh Howard

NBA: L.A. Clippers (23-52) at Sacramento Kings (34-40)
Thursday Apr 3rd, 10:00 pm ET, NBALP

The Clippers and Kings are the most recent Western Conference teams to be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. But at least Clippers fans have something to look forward to (yes, a high draft pick, but that’s not what I’m talking about).

Elton Brand is scheduled to appear in his first game of the season! Having ruptured his left Achilles’ tendon in August, Brand’s been rehabilitating for the better part of the season and is ready to make a comeback.

What does it all mean? Nothing for tonight’s game. But the Clippers are poised to play spoiler to their last 5 opponents – Nuggets, Lakers, Warriors, Hornets, and Rockets (twice) – who are all a part of the tightly contested Western Conference playoff race!

*Due to popular demand a Clippers cheerleader image was included at the expense of an image of Elton Brand undergoing physical therapy.

LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 20: A Los Angeles Clippers cheerleader performs during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 20, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers won 100-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)