MONTHS of training and execution are for a few important days, and tomorrow is one such day. Tomorrow, all 30 franchises will be in action as the 2012-2013 NBA regular season comes to an end. There is still one spot up for grabs in the West, while the franchises that have already made it across both conferences are still jostling for their final play-off positions.

EASTERN CONFERENCE – Trio return and back on point

AFTER extended breaks, the trio of Mario Chambers, Lebron James and Dwyane Wade returned to the Miami Heat line-up and were right away in the groove of the game. They helped the team to victories over two of their rivals, the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls.

On the back of a six-game winning streak they have managed to secure top in the league, adding to their conference-topping record which now stands at 64-16.

The Brooklyn Nets (formerly New Jersey) will be back in the play-offs for the first time since 2007, and they will be hoping that the momentum of their four-game winning streak, as at press time, can translate throughout the post-season where they are expected to square off against the fifth-placed Atlanta Hawks.

The Boston Celtics have secured seventh place in the conference, but there is a bit of concern as they are going to be entering the hectic portion of their season without talisman Rajon Rondo, who suffered a season-ending injury.

WESTERN CONFERENCE – The crippled Mamba, battles galore

LAKER nation was dealt a massive blow on Friday as Kobe Bryant was forced to leave the court after suffering a season-ending injury to his Achilles tendon. With every game pretty much a must-win as they battle for the final play-off spot with the Utah Jazz, the Black Mamba went down in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors after managing 34 points.

The Lakers managed to hold on for a 118-116 victory, but with their last two games coming against two play-off franchises, in the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets, they have an uphill task without their leader.

The Utah Jazz, with a record of 42-38, were just one behind the Lakers’ 43-37 record, but have a slightly more favourable finale (as well as a more complete line-up) against the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Spurs are still locked in a battle for the top spot, but the Thunder have the slight advantage with a 59-21 lead versus Spurs 58-21.

Another battle that will be decided is the struggle for third, fourth and fifth between the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and Grizzlies. The Nuggets have a record of 54-25, while the Clippers and Grizzlies are tied on 54-26.