First Down

TODAY ON WASHINGTONTIMES.COM

Chatter: Mark Zuckerman’s back on the beat as the Washington Nationals play host to the Marlins in their series finale at Nationals Park.

TODAY’S BEST BET ON TELEVISION

The Spurs will attempt to tie things up against the upstart Hornets in Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal series. 8 p.m., TNT

On The NBA - Mike D’Antoni’s Checklist

The new coach of the New York Knicks will have a full plate. At least Mike D’Antoni will have reputable help in team president Donnie Walsh. And that’s the one area that’s an improvement over D’Antoni’s Phoenix situation. Walsh wants to work with the former coach of the year, which was no longer the case with Steve Kerr and the Suns.

•Be patient. This is perhaps the most important trait for D’Antoni to bring with him to Madison Square Garden. This team’s roster isn’t likely to change much before next season unless Walsh finds some gullible fools among his fellow NBA general managers. Forget competing in 2008-09 and start planning for another high draft pick.

•Start scouting. This year’s draft will be crucial because unless the Knicks get lucky next week in the lottery, they aren’t likely to pick higher than sixth. D’Antoni and Walsh must identify their biggest need — but also the best players and their values that are most likely to land in their lap in the first round.

•Bring Starbury back to life. Making Stephon Marbury the star of his free-flowing show should get their relationship off to a good start — while also increasing the trade value of the former All-Star, who is entering the final year of his disastrous contract.

TWT FIVE - REMAINING UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

With former Packers wideout Koren Robinson landing on the unemployment line this week, it’s time to update the free agent market watch:

1. Kevin Jones, RB: Former Hokies and Lions back must prove he’s healthy.

2. Koren Robinson, WR/KR: If he stays off the sauce, he can make a difference on special teams.

3. Shuan Alexander, RB: Team can’t expect to get the star of three years ago. He can’t excel full-time duty.

4. L.J. Shelton, OT: A big body who never has lived up to his potential.

5. Troy Brown, WR/UT: He’ll end up on the Patriots’ roster by mid-October.