The Heat appear well on their way to a 1-0 series lead on the Knicks, and tomorrow the Hawks get going against the Celtics. Tonight the Magic open their series with the Pacers. Perhaps Orlando, without Dwight Howard, can take a cue from assistant coach Patrick Ewing, whose Knicks were able to get to the Finals in 1999 despite his absence. Here's the rest of the buzz around the Southeast:
- Michael Lee of The Washington Post reports the Wizards aren't on the hook for any money to former coach Flip Saunders next season. While that might make it easier to dismiss current coach Randy Wittman, who has one more year on his deal, Wizards players would like to see him back, Lee writes.
- Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer examines how the Bobcats can take the first steps this offseason toward fulfilling owner Michael Jordan's goal of becoming a top-four team in the Eastern Conference.
- Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel looks at how union executive committee member James Jones is dealing with the turmoil in the player's association while also getting ready for the playoffs with the Heat.