With the NFL season coming to a close (congratulations Patriots!), the NBA gets the chance to take center stage and not so coincidentally has a great slate of games headlined by a major trio for the hottest team going in any professional sport: the Atlanta Hawks. 

Monday

Bucks @ Raptors: A potential first round preview and two teams who match up strangely with or without Larry Sanders. We should see a heaping helping of Giannis Antetokounmpo guarding DeMar DeRozan which could end up being a duel for years to come.

Timberwolves @ Mavericks: It is looking like this will be Ricky Rubio’s first game back so it makes the list. Even though he will presumably not be 100% at the outset, I am thrilled to see how playing with him affects the positive play we have seen from Andrew Wiggins.

Grizzlies @ Suns: Saying these teams have dramatically different strengths underrates the importance of Mike Conley to Memphis. If Memphis can sic Tony Allen on Goran Dragic (worth the watch by itself), Conley could handle whichever other PG is in the game while the Suns try to figure out some way to stop Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and the rest of the Grizzlies’ interior onslaught.

Tuesday

Warriors @ Kings: A likely win for the #1 seed in the West but these teams have played some surprisingly competitive games during the Cousins era. 

Wednesday

Wizards @ Hawks: Assuming they handle the Pelicans on Monday, this would be the next big test for Atlanta’s remarkable winning streak. Despite certain similarities in talent, these teams play quite differently on both ends and look to be on the front end of some long upswings. Newly minted All-Star starter John Wall needs to set the tone if Washington wants to get their biggest win of the season.

Thunder @ Pelicans: Anthony Davis. Kevin Durant. Sadly, we will not get to see the UCLA backcourt that never was (Westbrook and Jrue would have been teammates but Westbrook went pro) due to Holiday’s leg injury.

Grizzlies @ Jazz: I am continually interested in how Utah’s blossoming frontcourt fares against established units and this will be no exception. 

Thursday

Mavericks @ Kings: Two weeks ago, a Tyson Chandler flop knocked DeMarcus Cousins out of what became a narrow Kings loss. Grab the popcorn.

Friday

Warriors @ Hawks (Game of the Week): The #1 team in the West vs. the #1 team in the East. If that is not enough to keep you home on a Friday night, remember that they also may be playing the most beautiful basketball in the entire league at the moment.

Bucks @ Rockets: Houston and James Harden have already played for stretches without Dwight Howard but staying in the top half of the West will be a very different endeavor now that teams like the Spurs are making their way back. A home game against Milwaukee’s defense could be illuminating.

Pelicans @ Thunder: The rematch comes just two days after they face each other in New Orleans. It should be a little more lopsided but still worth your attention.

Saturday

Warriors @ Knicks: Can Stephen Curry recreate or even build on his 54 point game? Only one way to find out.

Trail Blazers @ Mavericks: LaMarcus Aldridge and Dirk Nowitzki will do battle but I am more excited to see Rondo vs. Lillard in what could be a playoff preview.

Kings @ Jazz: Gobert vs. DeMarcus I.

Sunday

Hawks @ Grizzlies: Yet another tough challenge for Atlanta, this time coming on the road in a game that should feature a raucous home crowd. With a weakened swingman rotation, we could see extended minutes with Tony Allen trying to shut down Kyle Korver.

Trail Blazers @ Rockets: Plenty of history and motivation to spare here.