While the NCAA Tournament certainly takes some of the spotlight away from the NBA during the stretch run, it makes the non-national schedule much stronger. Friday and Sunday in particular are incredibly exciting days of NBA action with important and intriguing games. 

Monday

Raptors @ Pacers: Potential first round preview and a nice calibrator for both teams with about a month left. George Hill has played well since returning from injury but will have his hands full against Kyle Lowry.

Trail Blazers @ Wizards: Washington has had a wild few weeks with some crazy blown leads and comebacks while they battle for seeding in the East. Portland has to adjust to playing without Wesley Matthews but Arron Afflalo should be able to shoulder most of that load.

Thunder @ Mavericks: There is still a chance that OKC jumps Dallas and ducks the Warriors in the first round. Winning this game would go a long way towards making that happen.

Wednesday

Trail Blazers @ Heat: Bit by bit, we are seeing more of what Miami can be with Goran Dragic. I am excited to see how their transition team works against a very talented Trail Blazers squad.

Spurs @ Bucks: On the list because it will be fun to see San Antonio deal with Milwaukee’s absurd length. The Spurs should win going away but seeing how they get there will be compelling.

Wizards @ Jazz: Utah has been one of my favorite teams to watch since the All-Star break and have a chance to show their spoiler side here. Rudy Gobert gets to do battle with real big men in the form of Marcin Gortat (in the first three quarters) and Nene.

Thursday

Pelicans @ Suns: Classic entertaining game featuring teams with substantially different strengths. Anthony Davis has the keys to New Orleans’ playoff chances and they will need to pile up the wins to keep pace with OKC. 

Friday

Pacers @ Cavs: Indiana’s second potential playoff preview of the week and this one looks substantially more likely at the moment.

Raptors @ Bulls: With the 2-5 spots so close, even games a month out can loom large. That is certainly the case here as both teams look to avoid the much tougher 4-5 series.

Hawks @ Thunder: A Game of the Week in most other circumstances, this one should be awesome. Russell Westbrook is playing at another level but the Hawks continue to show why they are a serious title contender.

Grizzlies @ Mavericks: Another possible playoff preview (likely 2/7 series) with quality all over the court. Marc Gasol and Tyson Chandler have been at it for years but each still plays such a key role in their team’s success.

Pelicans @ Warriors: An incredibly fun matchup and Golden State hopefully will play their core guys. Draymond Green vs. Anthony Davis would be worth the price of admission.

Saturday

Trail Blazers @ Grizzlies: Assuming Mike Conley is OK by this point, the Point Guard duel should be fantastic. Both teams feature dynamic PG’s and quality bigs and Portland can make some waves by winning in the Grind House.

Sunday

Cavs @ Bucks: We should see Giannis guard LeBron for a few stretches, so I will be keeping an eye on this one.

Heat @ Thunder: Russell Westbrook gets another weekend showcase though this one will not be on national TV. Hopefully we can see some quality mintues from Hasaan Whiteside as well.

Spurs @ Hawks (Game of the Week): The perfect Sunday reminder that as fun as it can be to watch the kids go at it, the real fun comes from seeing the best. These are two of my favorite teams to watch and it will be a blast to see them duel here, especially considering the relationship between Coach Pop and Coach Bud.

Pelicans @ Clippers: Anthony Davis and Blake Griffin should be all you need, though it also has Chris Paul playing his former team and hopefully DeAndre Jordan vs. Omer Asik.