WESTERN CONFERENCE.

Dallas

TOUGH CHOICE: There was concern after PG Stave Nash (groin) logged only 13 minutes against the Timberwolves last week. Nash already is dealing with a sore left hamstring. Coach Don Nelson limited Nash's minutes against the Timberwolves as a precautionary measure; Nelson knows the Mavericks will go nowhere in the playoffs without a healthy and rested Nash. But the players say they need Nash on the floor if they are to solidify their playoff positioning.... He's not on a level with Rasheed Wallace, but C Shawn Bradley continues to collect technicals faster than the team would like. Bradley is third in the league.... Is SG Michael Finley wearing down? He shot poorly in two games last week. The team must cut back on his minutes to get him ready for the playoffs.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The Mavericks would not have made the eight-player deal with the Wizards for Juwan Howard unless reserve C Calvin Booth was included. Booth first had to recover from elbow surgery before he was activated. He was impressive in his debut with eight points, five rebounds and two blocked shots in 16 minutes. Booth also did an effective defensive job on Minnesota PF Kevin Garnett. Nelson is known for his "small-ball" lineups, but he says he'll use a "tall-ball" frontcourt of Booth, Bradley and Dirk Nowitzki against certain matchups. --Ken Sins

Denver

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE: Last week, the team learned it might have the same coach next season regardless of what happens this season. And it's looking like the Nuggets might have a tough time finishing at .500--their stated goal. Owner Stan Kroenke is leaning toward keeping coach and president Dan Issel around for another season--at least as coach. Kroenke, who called Issel "an icon," might bring in someone else to be general manager.... Issel waived SF Mark Strickland last Thursday after Strickland was late back from two days off because of a cancelled flight. Strickland was used sparingly this season, and Issel says his release had nothing to do with the missed practice. Strickland's only complaint was that Issel didn't release him before March 1. Because of that, Strickland can sign elsewhere but is not eligible to be on a playoff roster.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: With PC Nick Van Exel on the floor at the end of a tight game, the Nuggets believe they can win. Van Exel regularly takes and makes big shots. When he was ejected Friday, the team fell apart. PF Antonio McDyess picked up a technical. C Raef LaFrentz did, too. The club seemed lost. As valuable as McDyess is and as competitive as Van Exel is, the team needs someone else willing to take and able to make big shots. For the third year, the Nuggets' offseason mission is to find that third scorer. --Michael BeDan

Golden State