As we finish off 2014 and begin 2015, a lack of national games means more quality matchups for League Pass with quite a few notable games this week. 

Monday

Bulls @ Pacers: Even though this has lost some luster because of Indiana’s injuries, I am still interested to see how these teams fare against one another. Jimmy Butler has been remarkable this season and may need to carry the offensive load here.

Wizards @ Rockets: Trevor Ariza faces his most recent former team while Patrick Beverley tries to shut down John Wall. Plenty of star power on each side but I expect MVP candidate James Harden to play the most pivotal role.

Jazz @ Clippers: Utah has some giant killer in them with wins over the Cavs, Grizzlies and Spurs already this season. Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors give the Jazz enough rim protection to make Blake Griffin and the rest alter their game somewhat while Gordon Hayward could create opportunities against a team without a dominant swingman defender. 

Tuesday

Spurs @ Grizzlies: Just an old fashioned knock down drag out featuring two teams with plenty of history. Tim Duncan has played incredibly well and carried a title team that has played with depleted lineups all season. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph do not stretch The Big Fundamental but will make him work the entire time.

Suns @ Pelicans: Two fun teams as long as their principals are on the floor. Anthony Davis makes almost any game worth watching and the Suns have played good basketball as they fight to stay in the playoff hunt.

Wizards @ Mavericks: Dallas’ top-flight offense faces off against a top-five defense. John Wall and Rajon Rondo could have been on the same Eastern Conference All-Star team but will have to settle for facing off in a notable late December game.

Raptors @ Trail Blazers: Tons of potential for a great game between two teams outperforming lofty expectations so far this season. Kyle Lowry may have the best MVP case of any Eastern Conference player so far but Damian Lillard's combination of athleticism and deep range make him a brutally tough cover for even the best PG defenders.

Wednesday

Bucks @ Cavaliers: While the Cavs’ response to their drubbing against Detroit will come on NBA TV the day before, we will still learn about Cleveland here. Plus, Giannis guarding LeBron is a very real possibility.

Pelicans @ Spurs: Tim Duncan and Anthony Davis sharing the court will always make my list.

Suns @ Thunder: Russell Westbrook. Eric Bledsoe. Sit back and watch the carnage.

Thursday

Nuggets @ Bulls: The first non-national game of 2015 features a Denver team looking to make something of their season. I still believe they can do so but facing the Bulls at the United Center is a tall order even if the Bulls cannot run their full complement of players. 

Friday

Rockets @ Pelicans: A test for both teams since the Pelicans sport a 9-4 home record despite sitting at .500 overall. It also provides an opportunity for Omer Asik to do battle with the man who took his spot in Houston: Dwight Howard.

Wizards @ Thunder: Russell Westbrook gets his second freak athlete Point Guard of the week when John Wall comes to town. I hope we get to see Kevin Durant face off against old pro Paul Pierce and KD’s hometown team.

Hawks @ Jazz: Two teams I genuinely enjoy watching and a game that could feature last season’s Coach of the Year and the current frontrunner for 2014-15. Beyond the Hawks playing fabulous basketball, I am drawn to the fascinating possibility of Dennis Schroder and Dante Exum going at it as two young PG’s with impressive athleticism still finding their way in the league.

Raptors @ Warriors (Game of the Week): As of this writing, this game features the teams with the top records in each conference as well as the #1 offense (Toronto) facing the #1 defense (Golden State). Stephen Curry and Kyle Lowry deserve the headlines and will go at it on both ends to decide this one.

Saturday

Jazz @ Timberwolves: Andrew Wiggins defending Gordon Hayward justifies this game making the list.

Wizards @ Spurs: Strangely intriguing, especially to see how Bradley Beal handles the creativity of Manu Ginobili.

Hawks @ Trail Blazers: To League Pass aficionados, this one should not take much of a sales pitch. Each team is fun to watch and well-coached while the Portland fans should bring a special atmosphere to the court even if the Hawks do not have a high profile yet. 

Sunday

Mavericks @ Cavaliers: Even a tailspinning Cavs team makes this fun. Dirk and Kevin Love are two of the best Power Forwards going and Rajon Rondo has plenty of big games in his past against LeBron teams.

Kings @ Pistons: DeMarcus Cousins and Andre Drummond are two of the best young Centers in the league and each should pose problems for the other that will be fun to watch them try to solve.

Raptors @ Suns: A nice test for both teams since the Raptors are continuing to have to fight for respect despite sticking in the East’s top spot despite DeMar DeRozan’s injury while the Suns have to claw just to make the post-season. For some reason, I am fascinated by the idea of Kyle Lowry defending Isaiah Thomas so that will be fun.