With less than a month remaining in the regular season, teams are battling for position at both the top and bottom of the standings and that produces a fun slate of League Pass games. That is true all over but Sunday’s Blazers/Thunder is a worthy Game of the Week and a strong capper to what should be an eventful seven days. 

Monday

Lakers at Pacers, 7 p.m.: The Lakers do not have their full complement of perimeter players so they will have to figure out who should defend Victor Oladipo. Indiana’s big man group faces similar challenges with Julius Randle.

Nuggets at Heat, 7:30 p.m.: Denver needs to pick up some wins against capable competition to get themselves back into the top eight out West while Miami still has enough time to improve their positioning. Also keep an eye on how the Heat defend Jamal Murray, especially with Gary Harris still out.

Bulls at Knicks, 7:30 p.m.: A double tank game with serious stakes since both teams are already in the mid-twenties in terms of wins. Point guard play can be key in these games, so Emmanuel Mudiay will have an outsized role.

Tuesday

Clippers at Timberwolves, 8 p.m.: Towns and Jordan have very different strengths at the same position but Taj Gibson vs. Tobias Harris may be the more interesting match-up depending on how both coaches handle defensive assignments.

Mavericks at Pelicans, 8 p.m.: Dallas has a penchant for keeping games close and their shocking overtime challenge in Toronto was one of last week’s more fun games. Both teams feature guard-heavy bench lineups if Fred VanVleet can make it back in time.

Pistons at Suns, 9 p.m.: The Suns have lost eight in a row but have played with fire and could absolutely win this one. Devin Booker could return after missing Saturday’s loss due to a hand sprain.

Wednesday

Hornets at Nets, 7:30 p.m.: A strangely important game for draft purposes because Brooklyn is still in the thick of the lottery despite not having their own pick. Kemba Walker can absolutely propel the Hornets to a road win.

Clippers at Bucks, 8 p.m.: Two teams with plenty to play for face off in an intriguing non-conference game. The bench minutes could be significant as both Lou Williams and Jabari Parker have plenty of scoring power.

Pacers at Pelicans, 8 p.m.: Another intriguing non-conference game, especially to see how the Pacers try to slow down Anthony Davis with their collection of frontcourt players. Darren Collison has been coming off the bench since he returned from knee surgery but he may be ready to start against former college teammate Jrue Holiday.

Thursday

Pistons at Rockets, 8 p.m.: Blake Griffin has plenty of history against the Rockets and this will be the first chance to see how much of it survived him changing teams at the deadline.

Lakers at Pelicans, 8 p.m.: The Pelicans’ crazy back-to-back-to-back homestand concludes with a visit from the Lakers. Hopefully Brandon Ingram will be available but there are plenty of worthwhile match-ups all over the floor either way.

Jazz at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m.: A game Dallas could make more interesting than they have any right too, though Rudy Gobert and the Jazz are on a remarkable run since he returned fueled by a dominant defense.

Friday

Clippers at Pacers, 7 p.m.: Myles Turner and DeAndre Jordan sharing the court will be absolutely fascinating and the Clippers will have to do a good job contesting Pacers shots as they are currently fifth in three-point percentage.

Heat at Thunder, 8 p.m.: Another fun out of conference game late in the season with real stakes for both sides. Paul George could end up playing a significant role, especially if Miami sees slowing down Westbrook as the bigger defensive priority.

Jazz at Spurs, 8:30 p.m.: The unlikely return of a certain former Finals MVP would add even more intrigue here but there is plenty already, especially with the changing nature of San Antonio’s big man rotation. Aldridge and Gasol will be fascinating against Utah’s front line and both teams have been going smaller at power forward more often this season.

Saturday

Timberwolves at 76ers, 6 p.m.: There are plenty of reasons to watch but Towns vs. Embiid has to be at the top of the list.

Suns at Magic, 7 p.m.: Big double tank game for Orlando in particular because a win would create even more separation from the best lottery odds. Also, Elfrid Payton faces his old team that traded him away for a second round pick.

Sunday

Spurs at Bucks, 3:30 p.m.: A great afternoon game between teams that only square off twice per season. San Antonio will presumably try a series of forwards on Giannis but they also have plenty of size on the interior to slow down his driving.

Heat at Pacers, 5 p.m.: Josh Richardson will try to shut down Victor Oladipo as these two teams jockey for seeding. Myles Turner’s ability to space the floor will also challenge Hassan Whiteside and the rest of Miami’s big men.

Clippers at Raptors, 6 p.m.: The Clippers’ brutal road trip concludes with a big game in Toronto one week after the Raptors fell to the Thunder in a contentious but entertaining contest.

Trail Blazers at Thunder, 7 p.m. (Game of the Week): Star power and plenty of playoff significance as these teams start the week as the third and fourth seeds in the West. Russell Westbrook and Damian Lillard are the headliners and the key may be whether Portland can contain the Westbrook/Adams pick-and-roll.