A surprisingly weak set of games on the higher end means the edges of the playoff picture can get some non-national attention.

Monday

Celtics @ Hornets: Considering the wide open race for the final two playoff spots in the East, games like this actually matter. Beyond the postseason impact, this could be a fun game between two motivated and talented teams. I wonder how the Hornets will use Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s defensive ability against a Celtics team without a traditional swingman scorer.

Lakers @ 76ers: I called their previous matchup the Perverse Incentives Bowl and this will be no different. The reasoning is that the Sixers own both their own pick and LA’s if it falls outside the top five, so a Philly loss both improves their own pick and makes it more likely they get the Lakers’ selection. That kind of set up makes for a darkly compelling matchup this late in the season.

Kings @ Grizzlies: I always enjoy seeing DeMarcus Cousins do battle with the best traditional frontcourt in the league. Memphis games also have much greater stakes now that the second seed is in play again.

Jazz @ Timberwolves: Lots of fun young players here, especially if we get Ricky Rubio and Dante Exum facing one another. Even with that, I am most intrigued by if Quin Snyder elects to use Gordon Hayward on presumptive Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins considering the offensive load Hayward shoulders.

Tuesday

Pacers @ Nets: This feels like an elimination game for the eighth seed even though the loser would still have time to recover.

Wednesday

Bulls @ Bucks: Another potential (likely?) first round preview of a series that would have substantially more intrigue if Jabari Parker could play. Regardless, the Bucks’ defense fuels their success and they will give the Bulls plenty of problems.

Mavericks @ Thunder: Russell Westbrook and the Thunder.

Thursday

Rockets @ Mavericks (Game of the Week): Houston continues to march on despite injuries to key players and actually has a shot at the #2 seed in the West as of this writing. Dallas has a three-game lead on OKC with only eight games to go so each win makes their spot more secure. 

Saturday

Wizards @ Grizzlies: The Wizards have struggled recently but have a roster that matches up reasonably well against the Grizzlies since both teams possess quality frontcourts and talented point guards. That said, I am most interested in how former teammates Paul Pierce and Jeff Green fare against one another since each will be challenged in the playoffs.

Jazz @ Suns: Sunday’s loss to OKC likely takes Phoenix out of the playoff chase for this season but this game still brings plenty of intrigue. Rudy Gobert’s defensive impact can be a key part of Utah’s success for seasons to come.

Pelicans @ Trail Blazers: Portland needs to win this home game to have a better chance to have a potential Game Seven there in the first round. New Orleans would need a terrific run to make it in but Anthony Davis can bolster his All-NBA First Team credentials with a big game against LaMarcus Aldridge.

Sunday

Heat @ Pacers: The first Sunday without college basketball dominating still does not have a strong non-national schedule but Miami/Indiana should combine high stakes with a quality game. George Hill has played pretty well since returning from injury but will have his hands full with Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade.