Here we go, the final game of the regular season, and the Hornets will close it out against the Mavs in Dallas. Early start of 6pm Central, don't forget.

As mentioned in yesterday's recap, this game may decide who the Hornets play in the first round of the Playoffs. The Denver Nuggets host the Memphis Grizzlies tonight (8pm Central), and a Nuggs win coupled with a Mavs loss means we'll be seeing Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson in New Orleans this weekend. Any other combination of results tonight, and it will be Hornets vs. Mavs in the first round.

Stuff to know for game 82…

Hornets (W-L): 56-25

Mavericks (W-L): 50-31

Game Time: 6:00pm Central.

TV: CST locally, ESPN elsewhere.

Radio: KMEZ 102.9 FM in New Orleans and WIBR 1300-AM in Baton Rouge.

Linkage: Millions…

• Ryan's game preview
• At the Hive: Q&A with Mavs Moneyball
• Hoops Addict: Calculating Chris Paul's Bid for MVP
• Empty the Bench: Coach of the Year picks
  
• Mavs blogs/sites: Mavs Moneyball | Dallas Basketball
• SonicsCentral.com: Trying to keep the Sonics in Seattle, and you can help

I'm hoping for a win tonight. I don't care if that lands us with Dallas or Denver in the first round. We can beat both of those teams in a seven-game series, and methinks it's important to win this game and head to the Playoffs strong like a wrecking ball.

Late notice, I know, but there's another watch party for the game tonight at Bruno's uptown. That kicks off at 5:30pm. I won't be there, but I'm sure the Honeybees will make up for my absence.

Comments welcome as usual. I'm interested to hear who you guys would rather face in the first round. Dallas or Denver?

[UPDATE] Hornets fall in Dallas, 111-98. The regular season is done, and we'll be seeing the Mavs when the first round tips off this weekend.

Linkage: recap | box score | standings