The set-up: As primarily a "situational" handicapper, I love the way this one sets up for the home side. Amazingly, the Wizards are on the cusp of a playoff spot, sitting just one game back of the No. 8 spot. They still have three weeks left in the regular season, but off a 122-93 road win at Cleveland just last night, I'm finally expecting a letdown here. Besides, the Wizards have a night off after this before a home game vs. the Pacers, a team which sits a .5 game back of them for that final playoff spot. In fact note, this is the Wizards very final game vs. a Western Conferenece team, putting added incentive over its final eight games after tonight.

The pick: I think the Mavericks keep the foot on the gas. They're in a tight race now with the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th placed teams in the West. Dallas is off the 115-105 win over the Pistons, and they have the Kings coming to town tomorrow night. No need to look past this dangerous Wizards side tonight. I look for Washington to finally have a letdown here. Lay the points.

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on the Mavericks.