Monday

Mavericks @ Nets: Beyond the surreal sight of Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett playing each other with neither in green and white, I always enjoy seeing KG face off with Dirk Nowitzki.

Rockets @ Bulls: Two good basketball teams but the main story for me is Jimmy Butler defending James Harden and potentially dueling with him on both ends of the floor.

Lakers @ Trail Blazers: On the list because Damian Lillard could drop 40+ on the Lakers’ shaky PG defenders on the road end of a back-to-back if Aldridge does not take too many touches away by annihilating Carlos Boozer.

Hawks @ Clippers: Time to see if the Hawks can continue their world beating ways with another tough road challenge against a Western Conference playoff team. Paul Millsap has been playing well but should have to defend Blake Griffin for long stretches while the Clippers do not have a strong SF to try and shut down Kyle Korver.

Tuesday

Pistons @ Spurs: Since Detroit has played so well since dumping Josh Smith, I decided to list this game for the intrigue.

Wednesday

Grizzlies @ Hawks: Atlanta has been my favorite Eastern Conference team to watch this year as a well-coached squad with floor spacing and a quality bench. Memphis’ interior strength will test the Hawks but I expect Mike Conley to be the deciding factor.

Thunder @ Kings: This game just has an allure to me. DeMarcus Cousins has his share of feuds and one with Steven Adams feels like an eventuality. Also, Rudy Gay vs. Kevin Durant and college teammates Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook squaring off on the perimeter. 

Friday

Grizzlies @ Pelicans: An easy call. Two fun, unusual frontcourts should carry this one despite the notable disparity in backcourt talent.

Timberwolves @ Bucks: Even without Jabari Parker on the floor to present the #1 vs. #2 storyline, I am hopeful we will see Giannis defend Andrew Wiggins for stretches. This gets more exciting if Ricky Rubio can return by then but that appears to be unlikely as of now.

Suns @ Spurs: These teams had one of my favorite games so far this season so the rematch warrants inclusion. We still have only seen a few stretches (if any) of prime Spurs basketball and we could get some here. 

Saturday

Mavericks @ Clippers: A great afternoon popcorn game with added fun now that it features Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul squaring off. Fun matchups all over the court and a potential playoff preview for either of the first two rounds.

Celtics @ Raptors: Marcus Smart gets a huge test defending Kyle Lowry. Should be compelling.

Bucks @ Bulls: This could go in some meaningfully different ways but I hope Milwaukee’s pick and roll coverage makes Chicago sweat so we can see how they adapt to such a lengthy opponent.

Jazz @ Rockets: The Jazz deserve to make this  list at least once per week (as do the Rockets, of course) and this has some potential to be compelling. Rudy Gobert has been playing lights out the last few weeks while James Harden has continued his MVP-caliber campaign. 

Sunday

Wizards @ Hawks (Game of the Week): While the West may have some better match-ups each week, this game has some real informational value because it could be a playoff series in any round. Atlanta plays a fun, inspired style of basketball while the Wizards possess the talent to win in more traditional ways.

Suns @ Grizzlies: Great style clash which could also feature a fun defensive assignment if Tony Allen gets put on Goran Dragic.