NBA »  Lakers at Magic, Sunday, ABC, 8

For some, the NBA season can’t end soon enough. But for those who have not yet over-dosed on Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard, there’s reason to root for the Magic tonight to extend these lackluster finals one more game. At least Stan Van Gundy’s post-game never gets old.

MLB »  Mets at Yankees Sunday, TBS, 1:05 P.M.

The Mets travel across town to the Bronx to play for the first time at the new Yankee Stadium. Johan Santana takes on A.J. Burnett in a fantastic pitching matchup. Both teams entered the weekend in second place in their respective divisions, but within striking distance of first.

MLB »  Nationals at YankeesTuesday, MASN HD, 7:05 p.m.

Later in the week check out the Nats’ first visit to the new Yankee Stadium. The last meeting between the two teams was one of the best moments in the Nats’ short history — a walk-off homer by Ryan Zimmerman at RFK Stadium on Father’s Day in 2006.

PLAYER TO WATCH

David Wright

The Nats were overjoyed when the New York Mets left town last weekend and took the fabulously talented Wright with them. Remember the idea from earlier this season that Ryan Zimmerman might be the best third baseman in the National League East? For now — and despite Zimmerman’s own fine season — Wright has put that theory to bed. His power numbers are down with just four home runs. But that may have more to do with Citi Field than anything. Otherwise, Wright is batting .362 with 35 RBI. His on-base percentage is .458. At one point earlier last week he was 14-for-22 with five doubles and a homer. He had five hits in the first two games of a showdown series vs. Philadelphia. And the Mets aren’t afraid to run Wright, either. He already has 17 steals, two more than all last season and halfway to his career high of 34 in 2007.

BOLD PREDICTIONS

1. The Lakers will close out the Magic in Game 5 »  Orlando has been a resilient team all postseason (or haven’t you heard the announcers use that word, oh, about 2,000 times the past few weeks?). The Magic have rallied multiple times when you had to figure they were sunk, whether it was during games or after losses. But karma is most definitely against the Magic in this series. They missed a close last-second shot that would have won in regulation. And with a chance to tie the series Thursday night, Dwight Howard’s poor foul shooting finally cost Orlando. Make one of two and the series is now tied. Instead, he missed both, the Lakers tied the game on a three and won in overtime. Also, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy has mishandled the point guard situation between still-recovering Jameer Nelson and Rafer Alston. Add it up — plus the fact that the other side has Kobe Bryant playing and Phil Jackson coaching — and the NBA season ends today.

2. There will be a Lefty-Tiger duel at Bethpage »  At the Masters, when Phil Mickelson fired a remarkable 30 on Augusta’s brutal front nine and Tiger Woods dropped an eagle bomb at No. 8, their long-awaited major showdown was finally on. But then it wasn’t. As both faded on the back nine, the air went out of Augusta National, leaving no adrenaline for the undercard, Angel Cabrera vs. Kenny Perry. Two months later, the U.S. Open at Bethpage presents and even more intriguing opportunity for Lefty-Tiger. With his foot-on-the-accelerator game, Mickelson is beloved in New York City. He and his fans will be on emotional overload after wife Amy Mickelson’s breast cancer diagnosis. The last time the Open was played at Bethpage (2002), Mickelson finished second, three strokes behind Woods, their only 1-2 finish in a major. Now the stage is set for another throwdown. Both are at the top of their game and Bethpage eliminates much of the field because it requires extraordinary length off the tee, an asset both players have.

3. Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez will pull his name out of the NBA Draft »  There is too much to gain for Vasquez if he returns to school. Maryland’s star point guard is considered by most reputable mock drafts a late first-round pick — at the absolute best. Most have him going in the second round. And that means he’s not even guaranteed a roster spot on an NBA team, let alone a chance to play. He could go to Europe, instead, of course. But that’s not his ultimate goal. The best way for Vasquez to improve his NBA draft stock is to return to Maryland and help lead the Terrapins back to the NCAA tournament. A first-team All-ACC season — and a 2010 draft with fewer quality options at point guard — should earn Vasquez a first-round spot and some more money. The deadline to decide to stay in the draft is 5 p.m. Monday.

FIVE UP

1. Donovan McNabb »  The Eagles QB got more toys for the offense this offseason and now he gets a raise for the next two years.

2. Seagulls »  The birds have flocked to Cleveland’s Progressive Field lately. The Indians won seven of their first 10 since the ‘gulls arrived.

3. Derek Fisher »  The Lakers guard was ripped earlier in the playoffs for his declining play, but he continues to hit big shots.

4. Red Sox dominance »  Over the Yankees, that is. Beantown is ecstatic over its 8-0 record vs. the Yanks. Guess $200 mill just doesn’t go as far anymore.

5. Alabama football »  Yes, they must vacate 21 wins from three seasons, but they didn’t lose any scholarships for the textbook scandal.

FIVE DOWN

1. Michael Vick »  So far no teams have really expressed interest in signing the former Falcons star. The Redskins are among those with zero desire to sign him.

2. USC hoops »  Their coach resigned amid an investigation; recruits are leaving. We won’t be seeing the Trojans in March for a loooong time.

3. Ryan Leaf »  Indicted on drug charges and charged with burglary. Life just gets better for the failed QB (and former overall No. 2 pick).

4. Tim Donaghy »  Former NBA referee was attacked in prison in November by someone who claimed ties to the mob. Odds are he’ll eventually be fine.

5. LPGA »  The women’s pro golf tour probably has more depth than ever and many good young stars. But the economy has chased sponsors away.