The NBA schedule gets shortened this week due to All-Star weekend but there are still plenty of fascinating games. Sunday’s surprising trade involving the Trail Blazers and Nuggets certainly added some intrigue to the week as both contenders for the eight seed will likely incorporate their new additions for the first time on Wednesday. With that in mind, the Game of the Week is Mason Plumlee’s Denver debut in a contest that also features Nikola Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns facing each other again after an intensely fun first outing in late January.

Monday

Spurs at Pacers, 7 p.m.: Kawhi Leonard vs. Paul George would be interesting by itself but the Spurs’ loss in New York adds a little intrigue as well. DeWayne Dedmon has done well in the starting lineup and his matchup with Myles Turner should challenge both of them.

Celtics at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m.: Boston has strengthened their chances of the two-seed in the East, possibly even home court if Cleveland falters, and road games can be a major differentiator. Dallas has surprised over the last few weeks and Dirk Nowitzki forces defenses into challenging choices ever time out. 

Warriors at Nuggets, 9 p.m.: Nikola Jokic has been phenomenal since taking over the starting center role and will face off with former Nugget JaVale McGee. Michael Malone’s rotation decisions will be interesting, particularly with Denver’s changing roster. 

Tuesday

Raptors at Bulls, 8 p.m.: Strangely the only non-national game on the docket for Tuesday but both teams are looking to get back on track after some dispiriting losses. If Chicago can get one or more of their stars back in time, this could be interesting. 

Wednesday

Heat at Rockets, 8 p.m.: The first game of Miami’s shocking thirteen-game win streak came against the Rockets and the Rockets will look to return the favor right before the All-Star break. Miami’s batch of energetic defenders will try their best to slow down James Harden.

Timberwolves at Nuggets, 9 p.m. (Game of the Week): The next Towns vs. Jokic battle is also likely Mason Plumlee’s first game in a Nuggets uniform. Neither team plays much defense so enjoy the ride.

Trail Blazers at Jazz, 9 p.m.: Jusuf Nurkic may not start for the Blazers but could get minutes against frequent foe Rudy Gobert and a stacked Jazz front line. The battle on the perimeter could be fascinating as well, particularly with Maurice Harkless returning to the starting lineup after Evan Turner’s injury. 

Thursday

Wizards at Pacers, 7 p.m.: The last day of action before All-Star weekend is one of the fun rarities where the League Pass game surpasses its national counterpart. The Wizards and Pacers played a competitive game less than a week before and both teams have higher aspirations than their current place in the East playoff picture.