A simply excellent week of non-national games with important tilts almost every night. This also could be the last week of feisty spoiler performances for a few teams that could…let’s say “reassess their priorities” as the lottery picture clears up.

Monday

Wizards @ Bobcats: While Charlotte is settling pretty firmly into the seventh seed, Washington still has plenty of variability left in their playoff picture. Al Jefferson continues to play well and will pose major challenges for Washington’s bigs.

Bucks @ Pistons: This makes the list because it stands as Milwaukee’s best chance to win another game. It will also be interesting to see how Detroit reacts to getting blown out by the Sixers, and I cannot believe I typed that phrase.

Raptors @ Heat: Right now, this looks like a fascinating second round series. The Raptors will need quality games from Ross and DeRozan if they want to pull out a huge statement road win.

Clippers @ Timberwolves: I just enjoy seeing Kevin Love face off against top competition at his position and they do not come much better than Blake Griffin. Add in a potential Rubio / CP3 pass-off and this could be a fun one.

Tuesday

Warriors @ Mavericks: As of this writing, only two games separate the six seed and missing the playoffs entirely. Tuesday’s only non-national game could shrink that dramatically as Monta Ellis faces off against his old team.

Wednesday

Rockets @ Raptors: A game I am interested in seeing even though we miss out on the brutality of Kyle Lowry and Patrick Beverley sharing the court. James Harden could play a decisive role, especially if Dwight Howard floats more than he should in a big road game.

Warriors @ Spurs: After the way San Antonio has handled the Warriors this season, some of the intrigue may have been lost here but it could still be a compelling game.

Grizzlies @ Timberwolves: Randolph/Gasol vs. Love/Pekovic is just fun.

Clippers @ Suns: A heat check for Phoenix and an absolutely scintillating point guard duel.

Lakers @ Kings: Potentially big lottery ramifications here since there are not many games left with two teams in the 4-7 cluster.

Friday

76ers @ Celtics: Someone has to win and it will probably be the Celtics.

Pacers @ Raptors: An intriguing game featuring two squads with plenty to play for. This could be a strong indicator of whether the Pacers will hold on to the top seed in the East.

Suns @ Trail Blazers (Game of the Week): I’m giving this one Game of the Week status because it could loom so large for both teams and should be an incredibly fun game on top of that. Goran Dragic and Damian Lillard can provide the star power but the interior play (including former Sun Robin Lopez) could decide it.

Saturday

Bulls @ Wizards: This could be either the 3/6 or 4/5 Eastern Conference matchup depending on how things shake out. John Wall and Bradley Beal should have a chance to be the difference makers in this one though DJ Augustin has had some big games recently.

Sunday

Lakers @ Clippers: After what happened the last time they played, this one warrants inclusion.

Hawks @ Pacers: Despite all the turmoil both teams have had recently, this still looks like a first round playoff preview. That said, both teams have plenty to fight for as each sits precariously close to a much less desirable result.