An abbreviated national TV slate (presumably due to college bowl games) means a great week on League Pass, including some great matchups and some of the best teams and players in the Association facing significant challenges. If the Clippers can get Chris Paul back by the end of week, they will be participants in some of the most exciting matchups on paper. 

Monday

Bucks at Wizards, 7 p.m.: The Wizards have looked better recently and are fueled by strong guard play with the Bucks rely heavily on their young frontcourt. If Matthew Dellavedova and Milwaukee’s centers can contain the Wall/Gortat pick and roll, they will have a solid shot at a nice road win.

Raptors at Trail Blazers, 10 p.m. (Game of the Week): Both teams have a legitimate case to be included on Christmas Day considering their star power and recent (well, not too recent for the Blazers) performance. Kyle Lowry vs. Damian Lillard will be exciting and each team has to figure out how to slow down the opposing shooting guard.

76ers at Kings, 10:30 p.m.: Even the possibility of DeMarcus Cousins and Joel Embiid sharing the floor warrants inclusion on this list. 

Tuesday

Grizzlies at Celtics, 7:30 p.m.: Shortly after Mike Conley’s injury, the Grizzlies’ fight looked like a nice story but they have the opportunity to become much more than that between now and the All-Star break. Injuries to key players on other West contenders opens up some real estate in the standings but the Celtics have plenty of talent and this could end up a mucky game.

Rockets at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m.: James Harden has been masterful this season and Wes Matthews could defend him well. Plus, Dirk Nowitzki is back and will likely be matched up with Ryan Anderson on one or both ends.

Wednesday

Pacers at Wizards, 7 p.m.: John Wall battling Jeff Teague, Paul George trying to terrorize Otto Porter and Marcin Gortat getting into it with Myles Turner makes this look like a fun matchup.

Bucks at Pistons, 7:30 p.m.: This makes the list primarily because of the possibility that Stan Van Gundy concocts something with the intention of messing with Giannis. Also, the Reggie Jackson/Andre Drummond connection tries to throw passes through the thicket of Milwaukee arms.

Timberwolves at Nuggets, 9 p.m.: Before the season, Minnesota was the young team that fans and media members alike were excited about. While Denver has not dominated, they have shown plenty of reason to take some of that mantle. While the Wolves have largely kept their starting lineup consistent, keep an eye on how Mike Malone deploys his unusual collection of talent.

Thursday

Heat at Hornets, 7 p.m.: If Spo uses Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson to slow down Kemba Walker, this will be an incredibly interesting game. Charlotte has been solid this year but Miami’s defense could give them some trouble.

Thunder at Grizzlies, 8 p.m.: Another nice stage for Russell Westbrook considering Marc Gasol’s resurgence this season. The Spaniard’s newfound three point shooting will also test Steven Adams and OKC’s help defense. 

76ers at Jazz, 9 p.m.: Embiid vs. Gobert. Please.

Friday

Knicks at Pelicans, 8 p.m.: One benefit of Kristaps Porzingis and Anthony Davis spending too much time at power forward is that they should guard each other for extended stretches of this game. That alone will make this one worth watching.

Clippers at Rockets, 8 p.m.: If Chris Paul plays, this will be one of the best League Pass games of the week, possibly the month. If not, run away.

Trail Blazers at Spurs, 8:30 p.m.: The Spurs have largely stuck with Pau Gasol and Tony Parker as starters when healthy but their pick and roll defense will be put to the test against Portland. LaMarcus Aldridge also gets a chance to shine against his former team.

Saturday

Cavs at Hornets, 7 p.m.: Kyrie and Kemba will provide the fireworks but Michael Kidd-Gilchrist defending LeBron will be fascinating as well. Steve Clifford will also have to adapt when the Cavs use Channing Frye at center considering his backup center options are not exactly comfortable defending in space.

Knicks at Rockets, 8 p.m.: Interesting popcorn game if the Knicks can keep the ball moving. Joakim Noah will need to bring his A-game defensively since James Harden stress tests a defense every time out.

Clippers at Thunder, 8 p.m.: Same as Friday: if Chris Paul plays, this will be captivating. If not, it will not be particularly notable. 

Sunday

Pistons at Heat, 6 p.m.: Andre Drummond and Hassan Whiteside will battle for position on almost every play but each will have some obligations as a help defender that could compromise their rebounding. Presumably the Pistons will put Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on Goran Dragic, making a different challenge for one of the NBA’s most successful drivers this season.

Magic at Pelicans, 6 p.m.: Anthony Davis vs. Serge Ibaka for the only time this season since Davis missed their game in mid-November due to a thigh injury. Orlando’s sub rotation will also challenge the Pelicans’ depth pieces since Vucevic and Payton could see favorable matchups on the New Orleans second unit.

Trail Blazers at Timberwolves, 7 p.m.: A nice capper to the week featuring two teams that have been much better playing offense than defense so far. The Blazers have put themselves on the playoff bubble but wins in games like this would help separate them while Minnesota can try to right the ship.