Monday

Hawks @ Pacers: The Hawks have come on strong with a six game winning streak propelling them to a tie for the second spot in the Eastern Conference. Frank Vogel’s Pacers have been brutalized by injuries but still have a chance to make some noise.

Suns @ Clippers: At the moment it feels somewhat like the Suns are placeholders in the Western Conference eight seed but they can do something about that with a win at the Staples Center over the Clippers. Phoenix’s cabal of point guards (including former Clipper Eric Bledsoe) could cause problems even though Doc’s team has that as a strength too. 

Tuesday

Raptors @ Cavaliers: A serious contender for Game of the Week that loses a little luster since they have already played twice this season, splitting those matchups. Kyle Lowry will have to fight to keep Toronto at the top of the East through DeMar DeRozan’s injury while the Cavs are coming together on both ends of the floor.

Knicks @ Pelicans: On the list because Anthony Davis might drop a hilarious number against a Knicks team that lacks rim protection.

Bucks @ Thunder: Milwaukee has been one of the NBA’s best early season success stories and will have a chance to prove their staying power with a win over a Thunder team still looking to find their sea legs with Westbrook and Durant back. Giannis defending Kevin Durant for stretches adds another layer of intrigue to an already fun one. 

Wednesday

Rockets @ Warriors: If Dwight Howard was healthy, this would be the Game of the Week, particularly with the history between these two teams. Some may forget the animosity surrounding Houston’s attempt to set the record for three pointers against the Warriors but I can guarantee that Golden State has not. Even without Dwight, James Harden and the Rockets have played very well and deserve tons of credit.

Friday

Clippers @ Wizards: The Clippers have a superior record and point differential but sit in sixth in the West while the Wizards only fell to a tie for second in the East after losing to Boston on Sunday. Regardless, these are two talented teams with dangerous backcourts. Blake Griffin asserting himself against a big Wizards front line would do wonders for the Clippers’ chances.

Cavaliers @ Pelicans: Anthony Davis vs. Kevin Love, Jrue Holiday defending Kyrie Irving and a slew of other reasons to watch this Friday night special.

Saturday

Warriors @ Mavericks (Game of the Week): A wonderful combination of a fun game with actual implications (for a December game). Dallas’ #1 offense poses unusual problems for Golden State’s #1 defense and there will be no shortage of star power.

Clippers @ Bucks: The Bucks have fallen to seventh in defensive efficiency as of this writing but I am fascinated to see what their length does to the uptempo Clippers.

Nuggets @ Rockets: A fun individual matchup as Arron Afflalo tries to shut down James Harden also provides the Nuggets with a chance to make a statement of their own on the road. 

Sunday

Warriors @ Pelicans: Stephen Curry and Anthony Davis are arguably the top two MVP candidates in this young season and any time they share the court warrants inclusion on this list.

Bulls @ Heat: Miami has come down to earth after a nice start but have time to right their ship before a notable game with Chicago. This one has a little added sizzle with Luol Deng going against his longtime teammates and another game pitting Chris Bosh against Joakim Noah.

Suns @ Thunder: Another early test for the close to whole Thunder comes in the form of a supremely fun Suns team. Goran Dragic and almost Thunder teammate Eric Bledsoe have the punch to make OKC’s guards work on both ends while Serge Ibaka could be a key factor on the interior.