While we are starting to get a better idea where teams fall with respect to their conferences, this week provides a few illuminating games that should challenge individual players and teams alike. Plus, a few non-national Kevin Durant games to keep things interesting.

Monday

Phoenix Suns @ Philadelphia 76ers: I am intrigued to see how Michael Carter-Williams and Goran Dragic match up. Could be a fun game between the team that plays at the fastest pace in the league and the Phoenix Suns, which felt strange to type.

Toronto Raptors @ Brooklyn Nets: Toronto has been playing very well since the year turned over but Brooklyn has been a house of fire, winning nine of their last ten as of this writing. With only two and a half games separating them right now, this one could help signify where the Atlantic Division will end up.

Atlanta Hawks @ Oklahoma City Thunder: This makes the list because every Kevin Durant game not on national TV is required League Pass viewing until he cools down.

Tuesday

New Orleans Pelicans @ Cleveland Cavaliers: We get to see the two most recent No. 1 overall picks, if Anthony Bennett gets off the bench.

Memphis Grizzlies @ Portland Trail Blazers: As Memphis tries to claw their way back into the Western Conference playoff picture, they will need to at least make strong showings in games against quality opponents. LaMarcus Aldridge has had a great season but will have a physical challenge containing Zach Randolph. The perimeter will also hold intrigue as Mike Conley will try to enhance his defensive reputation against Damian Lillard.

Washington Wizards @ Golden State Warriors: John Wall’s combination of size and speed makes him an incredibly tough Point Guard for Stephen Curry to score against. The newly christened All-Star starter can make a major statement for a Golden State team looking to get back on the right track.

Wednesday

New Orleans Pelicans @ Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Davis and Kevin Love is easily enough to put this game on the list.

Houston Rockets @ Dallas Mavericks: Dallas needs to fight hard to retain the final playoff spot over a series of teams gunning for a spot in the postseason. Handling James Harden, Dwight Howard and the Rockets could go a long way to showing how and why they will make it happen.

Memphis Grizzlies @ Sacramento Kings: If DeMarcus Cousins can play in this one, it will be awesome to see him battle with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph on the interior. Plus, Mike Conley vs. Isaiah Thomas will be incredibly entertaining.

Friday

Memphis Grizzlies @ Minnesota Timberwolves: An absolute must watch for basketball fans that enjoy frontcourt play. Each team features two beasts at Power Forward and Center and a strange collection of perimeter talent. We should see new Memphis addition Courtney Lee defend Kevin Martin, which could be compelling.

Saturday

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Washington Wizards: Slim Reaper game!

Brooklyn Nets @ Indiana Pacers: The Nets have been playing shockingly well recently, beating the dregs of the East as well as quality teams in both conferences. A potential playoff preview against the Pacers could give us a better idea of just how far Brooklyn can really go this year. It should be fascinating to watch how the Nets choose to defend Paul George and whether KG can dig deep and challenge Roy Hibbert on both ends- his midrange jumper could provide some spacing problems for Indiana’s D.

Toronto Raptors @ Portland Trail Blazers [Game of the Week]: The other legit contender for the 3-seed in the East has their own challenging road game as Toronto duels with the best offense in the league. Considering how fun Raptors vs. Clippers was over the weekend, I have high hopes for their next Saturday game against an uptempo opponent. Amir Johnson has been doing incredibly well this season but LaMarcus Aldridge is a brutal cover for him while the underappreciated Kyle Lowry can show his mettle against likely All-Star Damian Lillard.

Sunday

Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics: Because it is the only game of the day. Plus, Big Baby going against his old team on the parquet.