With a little less than a month left in the regular season, we are looking at a stretch run with intrigue all over the standings. Each conference has two teams at the top and groupings in the middle and bottom of the playoff picture while the ping pong balls hang in the balance as three teams are currently tied in the win column for the fourth-worst record in the league.

Monday

Suns @ Hawks: One of those games that strangely gains more importance because of each team’s place on the edge of their respective playoff picture. Atlanta has stabilized a little after their rough stretch fueled by injuries but they need to keep winning to stave off the Knicks and Cavs. The Suns have a much tougher road but still sit just a half-game behind the eight spot.

Pacers @ Bulls: Even though Miami has been going through a patch as well, Indiana has more to prove since they have not had the same success. Chicago represents a potential second round matchup and a test of Indiana’s mettle. Paul George will need to shoulder the offensive load since Hibbert will have his hands full with Noah.

Timberwolves @ Grizzlies: Even though Sunday’s loss likely took Minnesota out of the playoff picture, this game warrants inclusion because it features two of the best frontcourts in the league even though Pekovic continues to miss games. Gorgui Dieng has had some nice games since entering the starting lineup and will face a major test here. 

Tuesday

Raptors @ Cavs: Even after Sunday’s win at MSG, the Cavs need to roll through the next two weeks if they want to fulfill Dan Gilbert’s playoff promise. Unfortunately, the Raptors continue to play well and still have ample motivation to fight for a good seed.

Wednesday

Nets @ Bobcats: At this point, the Bobcats are actually closer to passing Chicago for the four seed than dropping out of the playoffs. They are only two games behind the six and four behind the Nets for fifth. A win against a rolling Nets squad would force everyone to take the Bobcats seriously as more than just a nice story.

Suns @ Wizards [Game of the Week]: Beyond the playoff ramifications, I just want to see this game. Two of the more fun guard units in the league and explosive players all around the court.

Cavs @ Pistons: On here because it could signify the end of Detroit’s postseason aspirations, though many could argue that happened a while ago.

Clippers @ Pelicans: Anthony Davis vs. Blake Griffin. 

Thursday

Lakers @ Bucks: One of the last big challenges to see if Milwaukee can lose enough to stay “ahead” of the Sixers in the race to the bottom. A Lakers win also likely separates them from their tie with Boston and Utah.

Clippers @ Mavericks: Possible first round playoff preview as well as an entertaining game.  The Clippers are playing well right now but will have to tangle with a Dallas team that has to scrap for every game. It should also be a compelling defensive test for Blake Griffin as Dirk continues to be one of the toughest covers in the league.

Friday

Pacers @ Wizards: A compelling game of two of the Eastern Conference’s more interesting teams. Lance Stephenson guarding Bradley Beal may be worth the price of admission here but there are plenty of other reasons to watch.

Trail Blazers @ Bulls: This could get ugly but it will tell us quite a bit about both squads. Portland has been struggling but Chicago has trouble scoring so this one should be determined by how well the Bulls can shut down the Blazers. A big game from LaMarcus Aldridge against the monstrous Chicago front line could instill more confidence in Blazers fans.

Grizzlies @ Warriors: People have not been talking about it much but the Grizzlies have a shot to pull into the six spot and avoid both OKC and San Antonio entirely. Golden State has a favorable April schedule and can use the end of March to line up Portland and potentially the five with a quality run. Plus, Marc Gasol tangling with Andrew Bogut.

Saturday

Pistons @ Sixers: Why? Because there are not too many games on Philly’s schedule that they have a chance to win.

Pelicans @ Spurs: As long as Anthony Davis and Tim Duncan both play. 

Sunday

Jazz @ Thunder: The Jazz have played a few interesting games recently but this makes the list because I have a feeling Kevin Durant could end up with 40+.

Timberwolves @ Nets: An intriguing game because Brooklyn’s unusual lineups match up strangely with Minnesota’s more traditional groupings. Kevin Love could explode in this one if the Nets try to use gimmicks to defend him.

Knicks @ Warriors: I’ll put Knicks / Warriors games on these lists as long as Stephen Curry plays and the Knicks struggle on defense.