As we enter March, the difference between teams that are still competing for playoff position and those out of the chase becomes even more striking. The list of viable League Pass games shrinks because of the games involving teams heading in different directions, though there are still enough strong ones for a fun week.

Monday

Pistons at Raptors, 7:30 p.m.: A potential first round series if the Pistons can make their way into the playoffs and it will be interesting to see how Toronto’s front line of Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas fares against Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond.

Pacers at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m.: An early week example of what will be commonplace the rest of this season: one team with lots to play for against one of the bottom eight. That said, Dallas has been more competitive than their record and both teams feature more shooting than usual from their bigs.

Rockets at Jazz, 9 p.m. (Game of the Week): If the Jazz had not lost to the Blazers, this game would feature the two longest winning streaks in the NBA. Instead, it is just two talented teams with very different strengths going at it. Quin Snyder’s rotation and scheme decisions will loom large, as the Rockets are a unique challenge.

Tuesday

Nets at Cavs, 7 p.m.: Beyond the dynamic that Cleveland owns Brooklyn’s pick this year, this will be a good test for the Nets’ point guards, as D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie will need to do well for Brooklyn to have a chance.

Bulls at Hornets, 7 p.m.: While tanking is seen as an obvious or unilateral action, teams like the Bulls demonstrate the perils of that thinking because their players are still trying and almost beat the 76ers last week. Watch Kris Dunn’s defense on Kemba Walker in this one.

76ers at Heat, 7:30 p.m.: A big game for both teams as they jockey for position in a bunched-up Eastern Conference playoff picture. Joel Embiid and Hassan Whiteside will go at it but who Miami uses to defend Ben Simmons will be significant as well.

Wednesday

Bucks at Pistons, 7 p.m.: Giannis is having a wonderful season and playing him next to a small forward forces a tough decision for Stan Van Gundy. Eric Bledsoe could also loom large, as Ish Smith will presumably have the assignment of slowing him down with Reggie Jackson still on the mend.

Hornets at Celtics, 7:30 p.m.: Kemba vs. Kyrie will be fun and this will be a good test of where Boston’s offense is after the break, especially with Marcus Smart back after his hand injury.

Pelicans at Spurs, 8:30 p.m.: Anthony Davis has been on an absolute tear since DeMarcus Cousins’ injury and will need to keep that going for the Pelicans to pick up a massive road win. Dejounte Murray will also face a test as the starting point guard if Jrue Holiday takes him as the primary assignment.

Thursday

Lakers at Heat, 7:30 p.m.: Luke Walton is still in the process of figuring out his rotation as Lonzo Ball returns because Brandon Ingram thrived as the primary ballhandler during his absence. Miami’s defense can make any team scramble for answers and Goran Dragic should have the opportunity to go against former teammate Isaiah Thomas.

Nets at Kings, 10 p.m.: An under the radar game for lottery purposes, as the Kings have been competitive at home and the Nets have struggled over the last few weeks. Bogdan Bogdanovic has impressed this season and Brooklyn will probably try a series of defenders on him.

Friday

Hornets at 76ers, 7 p.m.: A series of interesting matchups in the frontcourt, especially Nicolas Batum trying to slow down Ben Simmons. The Sixers will have to face elite point guards if they want to make a playoff run, so Kemba will be a good test.

Pacers at Bucks, 8 p.m.: These division rivals have not played since early January when Jason Kidd was still Milwaukee’s coach. Jabari Parker should be interesting as well, especially since Indiana’s backup power forward minutes have been challenging this season.

Mavericks at Bulls, 8 p.m.: A double tank game featuring two of the more talented teams in the bottom eight. Kris Dunn and Dennis Smith Jr. went hard at each other in Summer League, so this one should be intense.

Saturday

Nuggets at Cavs, 7:30 p.m.: Some serious offensive potential here, especially if Michael Malone limits the time Jokic and Plumlee share the floor. Talent all over the floor with these two teams but George Hill guarding Jamal Murray may be the most intriguing.

Pistons at Heat, 7:30 p.m.: Dwight Howard looked engaged against an interior-oriented Pistons team and the same could be true for Hassan Whiteside. Either way, Miami will need to generate reliable offense with their starters and bench to build a lead.

Thunder at Trail Blazers, 10 p.m.: A Game of the Week contender, especially since Paul George will likely guard CJ McCollum for most of the night. Westbrook vs. Lillard is always fun and these teams both have plenty on the line.

Sunday

Suns at Hawks, 3:30 p.m.: A tanktastic matinee game featuring the teams that start the week with the NBA’s two worst records. Both teams have talent on the perimeter and Kent Bazemore will presumably spend lots of time on Devin Booker.

Pacers at Wizards, 6 p.m.: Both of these teams are looking better than expected without their starting point guards thanks in no small part to massive growth from their shooting guards. Bradley Beal and Victor Oladipo were both first-time All-Stars and headline this one.

Hornets at Raptors, 6 p.m.: Charlotte improbably makes the list one last time as Kemba Walker faces another talented point guard in Kyle Lowry. The Hornets are close to full strength now but the Raptors’ offense has been much more dynamic this season.