Considering we are a little more than a month away from the playoffs, it would follow that the non-national games would be stronger with increased stakes. Those matchups will come but sadly will not be here this week. 

Of course, that likely means we will get some great games out of nowhere.

Monday

Kings @ Hawks: Al Horford has been fantastic this season and faces one of his larger individual challenges in the form of DeMarcus Cousins. The rest of the game may be less interesting but that duel makes it worth watching.

Pelicans @ Bucks (Game of the Week): The Brow vs. The Greek Freak and they may even guard each other for stretches. One other note: as of this writing, these teams are tied in the loss column but the Bucks have a five game buffer on a playoff spot while the Pelicans would be without a chair if the music stopped now.

Warriors @ Suns: The Warriors lost in Steve Kerr’s original return to Phoenix but should have a healthier roster this time. Eric Bledsoe’s physicality always tests Stephen Curry and this could be another reminder of how the MVP candidate will fare against Russell Westbrook in the first round.

Timberwolves @ Clippers: Ricky Rubio and the surprising Timberwolves head to LA to face Chris Paul and the Clippers. Considering the Clippers’ perimeter defensive talent (other than CP3), this could be an opportunity for Andrew Wiggins to have a night. 

Tuesday

Raptors @ Spurs: Going into Sunday, these teams have the same number of wins despite dramatically different seasons. Tim Duncan has a shot at his first Defensive Player of the Year award and could help his case by slowing down Toronto’s driving game. 

Wednesday

Pistons @ Warriors: Stan Van Gundy teams have given the Warriors trouble over the years and the Pistons have plenty to play for. I could see Reggie Jackson circling this game on his calendar. 

Thursday

Bucks @ Pacers: Indiana’s five-game winning streak has put them right in the conversation for the final two playoff berths in the East while Milwaukee should be in there reliably at this point. Khris Middleton could have a big game for the Bucks here.

Rockets @ Jazz: Even without Dwight Howard to counter him, I am excited to see how Rudy Gobert’s presence affects James Harden and his drives.

Friday

Heat @ Raptors: Even with seemingly their entire team hurt, Miami has played some feisty and competitive games. They will need that effort in Toronto against Kyle Lowry and the Raptors.

Timberwolves @ Thunder: Russell Westbrook gets on the list every week and a matchup with Ricky Rubio makes the choice even easier. Could be a fun one. 

Saturday

Pistons @ Jazz: Andre Drummond and Rudy Gobert are two of my favorite young big men and both of these teams should be substantially better next year. This can be the “Before” picture for two potential playoff contenders in 2015-16. 

Sunday

Trail Blazers @ Raptors: Damian Lillard and Kyle Lowry may be the marquee matchup but Jonas Valanciunas and Robin Lopez doing battle on the interior could tell us more about how these teams could fare in the playoffs.