The loaded Christmas Day slate has an effect on the League Pass week as well and shifts some fun games away from national TV. The Timberwolves and Pacers both make the list three times but neither is in the Game of the Week because Bucks vs. Thunder has the potential to be an incredibly fun one.

Tuesday

Pacers at Pistons, 7 p.m.: The fourth and final game between these two teams, which produced two fun games in Indiana and a strong Pistons win the first time in Detroit. Victor Oladipo is still delivering this season and will not have to face Avery Bradley this time around.

Raptors at Mavericks, 7 p.m.: Former Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey has transformed the Raptors offense, which now looks more like a Rick Carlisle shot distribution than it has in the past and Toronto has reaped the rewards. Dallas is not at full strength yet but rookie Dennis Smith Jr will have a chance to face off against Kyle Lowry. 

Jazz at Nuggets, 9 p.m.: Utah has been able to handle injuries surprisingly well this season, thanks in no small part to Donovan Mitchell, who they acquired on draft night from the Nuggets. Nikola Jokic will look to drive Denver’s offense against a more perimeter-focused Jazz rotation. 

Wednesday

Knicks at Bulls, 8 p.m.: They are not quite the UnbeataBulls anymore after two losses but Chicago is still 7-2 since Nikola Mirotic’s return and that includes one win over the Knicks. Porzingis vs. Mirotic will be a blast but both of these teams will need strong play on the perimeter to gain an advantage. 

Nuggets at Timberwolves, 8 p.m.: A tough back-to-back for Denver sends them to Minnesota but Towns vs. Jokic will be a blast no matter what. Minnesota also provides a serious test for the Nuggets’ swingman defenders as Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins are a handful for any team. 

Nets at Pelicans, 8 p.m.: Brooklyn may still be a little ways away from playoff contention but has been competitive this year and will need their shots to fall while New Orleans has a chance to keep pace in the West. 

Thursday

Pistons at Magic, 7 p.m.: Hopefully Aaron Gordon will be back by this point so he and Tobias Harris can square off in a battle of forwards with startling improvements from three so far. It will also be a test case for Orlando’s interior defense without starting center Nikola Vucevic.

Timberwolves at Bucks, 8 p.m.: Non-conference games like this are always worth keeping an eye on because they only happen twice and feature talent that challenges the other’s weaknesses. Hopefully we will get to see Jimmy Butler spend some time defending Giannis. 

Knicks at Spurs, 8:30 p.m.: Both teams rely on going big while most of the league gets smaller, which makes this even more interesting. Porzingis vs. Aldridge is the headliner but Kawhi Leonard working his way back to 100% makes each Spurs game worth keeping an eye on.

Friday

Pacers at Bulls, 8 p.m.: Before the season, it would have been hard to expect a December Pacers/Bulls game making this list but both teams’ play warrants praise and inclusion here. Myles Turner will try to draw Robin Lopez out of the paint while Kris Dunn attempts to shut down every Pacers guard.

Bucks at Thunder, 8 p.m. (Game of the Week): This should be so much fun even with the Bucks heading to OKC on the tail end of a back-to-back. Westbrook vs. Bledsoe, the Thunder frontcourt vs. Giannis and so many other dynamics worth watching. 

Hornets at Warriors, 10:30 p.m.: Hopefully this will feature Stephen Curry and Kemba Walker going at it since those two have battled over the years. Charlotte would love to set a tone for their California trip with a big win at Oracle.

Saturday

Spurs at Pistons, 7 p.m.: Stan Van Gundy and Gregg Popovich both have helped build teams well within their comfort zone as coaches and their different approaches at power forward could loom large here as both Tobias Harris and LaMarcus Aldridge will make life hard on each other.

Knicks at Pelicans, 7 p.m.: Porzingis vs. Davis and Cousins vs. Kanter will be incredible theater. An absolute gem for League Pass devotees.

Cavs at Jazz, 8 p.m.: Cleveland does not play many games on League Pass against capable opponents, making this one more notable. Utah will presumably try a series of different forwards on LeBron James, including former foe Thabo Sefolosha.

Sunday

Timberwolves at Pacers, 5 p.m.: Defense will be optional as these two offensively capable teams square off. Jimmy Butler will try to shut down Victor Oladipo to short circuit the Pacers’ scoring while Myles Turner can burnish his reputation against fellow 2015 draftee Karl-Anthony Towns.

Lakers at Rockets, 7 p.m.: The Lakers ended Houston’s winning streak a little over a week before this game, making it an easy pick for the list. LA product James Harden is trying to finally win his first MVP while Kyle Kuzma has electrified and should start here.

Grizzlies at Kings, 7 p.m.: Zach Randolph’s first game against the Grizzlies since notching 35 and 10 against them on February 6, 2009 as a member of the Clippers. Both teams have struggled to start the season, so this one could have some lottery implications as well.