(4) Dallas Mavericks at (1) Sacramento Kings

The Western semifinals begin as the leagues top two offenses get together. The Dallas Mavericks will visit the Sacramento Kings to open the series. Dallas moved to this round, after sweeping Minnesota. The Kings defeated Utah, 3-1 to advance. The Mavericks won the season series 3-1 and were the only team to defeat the Kings twice this season at Sacramento. All four games went over 200 total points. The Mavericks average 105.2 ppg, while the Kings average 104.6 ppg.

The Mavericks high powered team is led by Dirk Nowitzki. The All-star forward is averaging 33.1 points and 15.2 rebounds per game during the playoffs and had 39 points and 17 rebounds in the clincher over Minnesota. Michael Finley, who averaged 20.6 ppg during the regular season missed Thursday's practice with a strained back, but is expected to play. Steve Nash, Nick Van Exel and Raef LaFrentz all continue to contribute.

Chris Webber leads seven players averaging double figures in scoring for the Kings. Webber averages 24.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per contest. Predrag Stojakovic scored 30 points last time out and is averaging 21.2 ppg. Mike Bibby is adding 13.7 points and a team-high 5.0 assists per outing. Bobby Jackson (11.1 ppg) is one of the leagues top sixth-men. The explosive Kings, averaged just 84.0 ppg in the series against the Jazz.

(7) Seattle SuperSonics at (2) San Antonio Spurs

The Seattle SuperSonics and San Antonio Spurs will move to the fifth and final game of their first round series, after Seattle won game four over the shorthanded Spurs, 91-79. The SuperSonics split the games at San Antonio earlier in this series. The win at San Antonio, snapped the Spurs 13 game home winning streak. The Spurs played without star Tim Duncan and David Robinson. Duncan missed the contest, due to the death of his father. Both are expected to play for this crucial contest.

Malik Rose tried to carry the load for the Spurs in their stars absence. Rose poured in 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Rookie Tony Parker scored 14 points. Steve Smith added 11 points and pulled eight rebounds. Both Charles Smith and Danny Ferry saw limited action due to injury.

Guard Gary Payton had another big game, leading the Sonics, with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. Vlad Radmanovic finished with 23 points, while Desmond Mason added 17 points. Starting forward Rashard Lewis missed the game and is expected to be out of this contest.