Ticha Penicheiro's ankle has improved, and she will suit up today. "Believe me, if I can run, I will go," she said.

The Narchs are excited to be home. Says coach Whisenant: "We'll have 10,000 people screaming at them. That's got to have some effect."

Houston is trying to stay positive. Sort of. "And they're really, really good," coach Chancellor said. "They're a really good, physical basketball team. And because of Sacramento's physical style of play, I thought from day one (of the playoffs) they would be a tough matchup for us. And it's been proven that I'm a pretty good prophet about that."