As we hurtle along the track towards the playoffs, we have an incredibly strong week in non-national action. What stands out this week are some strong inter-conference games which provide a nice change of pace before East and West separate out until the Finals.

Monday

Pacers @ Hawks: The strongest game on a strangely weak slate, this could be a first round matchup if either team slips from their current perch. David West and Josh Smith might be paired up here which would be a real sight to see, particularly when Indiana is on offense.

Wednesday

Grizzlies @ Knicks: If the Knicks can be closer to full strength by this game, it could be seriously entertaining.

Pacers @ Rockets: A strange stylistic clash that could yield some fun basketball, especially if we see Paul George and James Harden handle each other for prolonged periods of time. We also get to see two of the true centers of the game in Roy Hibbert and Omer Asik.

Wizards @ Thunder: Considering the way John Wall has played the last few weeks, I am beyond interested to see how he fares against fellow athletic freak Russell Westbrook and the Thunder.

Nuggets @ Spurs: Tony Parker being back on the court adds another level of intrigue to this one. Ty Lawson, Wilson Chandler and the rest of the Nuggets have been on an absolute tear recently but will need all of their magic to pull out a win against the hardest matchup for them in the conference.

Thursday

Lakers @ Bucks: A game that both teams need badly and also a fascinating matchup of talent. LARRY SANDERS! gets the chance to show he can play with the big boys while former divisional foes Monta Ellis and Kobe Bryant go at it again.

Friday

Heat @ Hornets: As long as the win streak is going, of course.

Rockets @ Grizzlies: Beyond all the playoff implications, I just want to see how Memphis chooses to defend James Harden. We could see some Tayshaun Prince on him which would be a compelling example of strengths and weaknesses.

Clippers @ Spurs: Huge, huge game in terms of seeding in the Western Conference. San Antonio can solidify the No. 1 spot in the conference (potentially overall) with wins like this while LA fights for both home court in the first round and the ability to stay out of the 4/5 first round fray. Plus, Tony Parker and Chris Paul share the court.

Saturday

Clippers @ Rockets: If this ends up being the 3/6 pairing in the West, we are likely looking at the most fun first round series in the entire league. James Harden and Chandler Parsons bring a scoring dynamic that the Clippers will have to work to stop while the Rockets do not appear to possess any answers for Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

Nets @ Jazz: Deron Williams plays in his old haunt and an absolute must-win for the Jazz to stay in the playoff hunt. Here’s hoping Derrick Favors gets a chance to show the team that drafted him what they are missing.

Sunday

Celtics @ Knicks: We could see these two teams battle in the first round of the playoffs and it should be fun to see how Boston uses Avery Bradley to wreak havoc with the Knicks’ offense.

Heat @ Spurs: It’s on national TV (NBATV at the moment) but must be included anyway.