Even without the stakes we will see later in the season, this stands out as a truly fascinating week of NBA basketball. Top teams in both conferences face off and Saturday includes quality matchups and two fascinating return games.

Monday

Nuggets @ Clippers: Even though Denver has continued struggling and looks unlikely to make the playoffs, they can be a major spoiler for various playoff hopefuls in both conferences. Assuming Ty Lawson plays, his duel with Chris Paul has to be the headliner here, but I am excited to see how Denver handles the Clippers' potent big man combination.

Tuesday

Raptors @ Pacers: At present, the Raptors are in the muck with both the Wizards and Bulls for the 2, 3 and 4 spots in the East. Winning games on the road against teams like the Pacers would go a long way towards moving towards the top of that group and a weaker early round opponent. I am excited to see how Jonas Valanciunas can score on noted defender Roy Hibbert.

Grizzlies @ Mavericks: I would love to see this as a seven-game series because of their dramatically different strengths and weaknesses. The addition of Rajon Rondo to the Mavs changes the dynamics somewhat but Mike Conley should be able to handle what Rondo brings to the table.

Wednesday

Trail Blazers @ Cavaliers: LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Love battle as LMA continues to adjust to playing with his broken thumb. Cleveland does not have the right guy to defend Damian Lillard since Kyrie Irving has not grown enough on that end yet.

Mavericks @ Rockets: They may not be two top ten teams with more different strengths. James Harden runs the offense at an MVP level from the shooting guard position while Dallas uses playmaking from various spots. Most notably, one team starts Josh Smith at PF and the other starts Dirk. Compelling to see how those mesh, especially considering this could very well be a second round series three months from now.

Clippers @ Jazz: Rudy Gobert’s defensive numbers have been eye-popping this season but the Clippers can wreak havoc on rim protectors. We also might get to see a few minutes of Exum vs. CP3 which would be super exciting even though the Australian guard is still incredibly raw. 

Thursday

Bucks @ Magic: Games featuring young teams that should continue to get better are fun to watch before we get deep into the playoff chase. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks look to be a playoff team this year but the Magic have come on nicely after a rough start.

Friday

Trail Blazers @ Hawks: Both teams have played excellently this season and Portland has the perimeter defenders to make Kyle Korver work for looks and buckets.

Clippers @ Pelicans: Anthony Davis facing off against Blake Griffin and Chris Paul returning to New Orleans. Could be fun.

Warriors @ Jazz: After Klay Thompson’s explosion on Friday night it feels like just about every Warriors game should make this list for the time being. Utah’s young and entertaining team makes this an even easier choice. 

Saturday

Raptors @ Wizards: Another reasonable playoff preview that should also be a fun game. Kyle Lowry and John Wall are the starting guards in the All-Star Game for good reason but I am more excited to see Paul Pierce and DeMar DeRozan face off because I have no idea how it will turn out.

Rockets @ Pistons (Co-Game of the Week): I cannot choose anything over Josh Smith’s return game given everything that has happened. Beyond the intrigue of these two teams facing off, the atmosphere and personal dynamics make this one worth keeping an eye on.

Thunder @ Grizzlies: Were it not for the intrigue surrounding the high-profile return games, this would likely be my choice for GOTW. A great combination of history and importance given the high stakes in the West. Plus, it has Jeff Green going against his old teammates.

Cavaliers @ Timberwolves (Co-Game of the Week): Kevin Love return game!

Trail Blazers @ Bucks: Portland clearly has the talent advantage but the Bucks have been the best defensive team in the NBA since Christmas. If Brandon Knight wants to establish himself as a max PG, he can get the opportunity against Damian Lillard.

Suns @ Warriors: A fun matchup of two teams with quality guard play. Draymond Green has been a monstrous defender at power forward this season so seeing him try to snuff out Brandan Wright pick and rolls should be worth the price of admission.

Sunday

Heat @ Celtics: As of this writing, the Heat still have a playoff spot but winning games against weaker Eastern Conference opponents will be necessary for that to continue. Amazingly, the Celtics actually have a meaningful chance of getting in if they do not trade their entire roster before the deadline.

Lakers @ Knicks: I am honestly not sure if this game will be more entertaining than Super Bowl pregame coverage but hey, it gets included.