"We hope they don't drop their heads and think, 'Well, this can't be done' — because you never know," he added. "Some team might get in a slump, might get somebody hurt."

Denver, in fact, just lost guard Earl Boykins to a broken wrist.

The Lakers play 10 of their final 13 games at home. But the Kings have head-to-head matchups remaining with the Jazz and Lakers in the next week alone, and the Hornets close their season with Utah at home followed by tough road games at Sacramento, at Phoenix and in L.A. vs. the Lakers.

"I can look back over the years," Sloan said, "and see what's happened: A team gets in a rut right at the end, and you think they've got it wrapped up, and then you don't take advantage of it.

"If you get help," he added, "fine . . . But every game has got to be important to you, if you really want to be in the playoffs."

At times this season, Sloan has openly questioned whether the Jazz do.

Exactly one month from tonight, when Utah plays its final regular-season game at home against Golden State, the issue will be decided.

One way, or the other.

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com