The Nets are pretty sure they have already rid themselves of the Curse of Dr. J -- the hex that came down on the franchise as soon as it sold Julius Erving to help pay for its NBA franchise fee.

But, just in case, this could help matters: Dr. J is going to be jumping the tip for them tonight.

Okay, it will only be pretend. But the NBA is making a nod to this being the first NBA Finals between two former ABA teams by having a ceremonial opening tip with Erving and George Gervin.

It will be a re-creation, of sorts, of the last time these teams played each other in a championship game, in 1976. Erving played for the Nets back then. Gervin played for the Spurs.

Naturally, they'll use a red, white and blue ball for the tip.