The Timberwolves have long since been mathematically eliminated from any playoff consideration while the Nets are trying to jump-start their playoff hopes. The Bulls, based on their recent play, seem to be pulling themselves away from the Nets while the flailing Pistons may be the Nets' most realistic target to replace in the playoff spots.

And the Nets, who were four-and-a-half games behind both surging Chicago and slumping Detroit, play the Pistons Wednesday in New Jersey, one of two remaining head-to-head matchups. But for the Nets to make that game meaningful, they must have success Sunday against the Timberwolves on the road and then back home Monday against the Bucks.

The Nets can complete a sweep of their two-game season series with the Timberwolves. They hammered Minnesota, 113-84, in New Jersey on Dec. 5. The Nets rolled up 63 points after halftime.

Seven Nets scored in double-figures, led by Vince Carter with 18. Randy Foye scored 20 to lead Minnesota. The Timberwolves, fairly banged up all season, have been without center Al Jefferson since he tore the ACL in his right knee and was lost for the season, Feb. 8.

LAKERS 103, NETS 95: The Nets kept Kobe Bryant relatively quiet: 14 points, nine assists, but 5-of-19 shooting. Pau Gasol was another matter. Gasol scored 36 points and took 11 rebounds as the Lakers clinched the No. 1 seed in the West while dealing another blow to the Nets' fading playoff hopes in the East. The Nets welcomed All-Star Devin Harris back after a five-game absence with a sprained left shoulder and he racked up 13 points and 14 assists while Vince Carter scored 20 points. The struggling Yi Jianlian was dropped from the rotation in favor of Ryan Anderson who started and scored four points but grabbed nine rebounds. The loss left the Nets four-and-a-half games out of the East's eighth spot with 10 games to play.