As the calendar turns to 2017, the NBA season approaches the halfway point and some of the league’s dynamics come into clearer focus. This week features some significant clarifying games in the middle of the Eastern Conference, where the teams from 5-11 are separated by a total of 3.5 games. Those who can separate from the pack early could get a cushion to withstand injuries while those who fall behind could face tougher decisions in the month before the trade deadline.

The Game of the Week does not fit this description but Rockets/Raptors could be an incredibly fun one.

Monday

Thunder at Bucks, 7 p.m.: An absolutely awesome start to the week. Milwaukee has been one of the league’s best surprises so far this season and Russell Westbrook’s season has to be seen to be believed. If this can stay close, the crunch time could also be fascinating.

Wizards at Rockets, 8 p.m.: This features both reigning Conference Players of the Week, as John Wall and James Harden took the honors in the East and West respectively. Houston’s perimeter shooting makes it hard to help on Harden but the Wizards will have to figure it out unless Wall and Beal combine for a massive night.

Nuggets at Warriors, 10:30 p.m.: Denver has become substantially more fun since moving Nikola Jokic back into the starting lineup without another center on the floor but they could face some real challenges stopping this Warriors lineup. Keep an eye on how much Gary Harris guards Stephen Curry.

Tuesday

Timberwolves at 76ers, 7 p.m.: Even though the Sixers will likely put Joel Embiid on Gorgui Dieng, Towns vs. Embiid makes this worth watching.

Pacers at Pistons, 7:30 p.m.: One of the aforementioned clarification games as the Pacers have pushed their way into the top part of that group while the Pistons have slide towards the bottom. Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond are still the keys to Detroit’s offense and it will be fun to see how Myles Turner fares as a pick-and-roll defender.

Raptors at Spurs, 8:30 p.m.: One of the most illuminating games on the entire docket this week since San Antonio has struggled to defend point guards with Tony Parker and Pau Gasol on the floor together and Kyle Lowry continues to dominate. Presumably, Kawhi Leonard will try his hand at defending DeMar DeRozan as well.

Wednesday

Thunder at Hornets, 7 p.m.: This one is headlined by Kemba Walker and Russell Westbrook going at it but if Cody Zeller misses this game due to a concussion, it could illustrate his value as Charlotte’s best center on both ends of the floor.

Bucks at Knicks, 7:30 p.m.: Arguably the two most compelling forward combinations in the entire league as Giannis and Jabari head to Madison Square Garden to face Carmelo and Kristaps. If all four play, it will be a blast.

Grizzlies at Clippers, 10:30 p.m.: The clear-cut Game of the Week if we could be sure both Chris Paul and Mike Conley would be starting but that is not clear at this point. Still a fun, potentially important contest between two of the West’s best.

Thursday

Jazz at Raptors, 7:30 p.m.: Another Game of the Week contender if both point guards play but George Hill continues to deal with maladies. Either way, expect a competitive contest and watch how the Raptors choose to defend Gordon Hayward and Rodney Hood.

Hawks at Pelicans, 8 p.m.: Anthony Davis vs. Paul Millsap but also a good showcase game for Jrue Holiday if his defense on Dennis Schroder can short-circuit the Hawks’ offense.

Spurs at Nuggets, 9 p.m.: This one was originally on TNT and should not have been flexed out but their loss is League Pass’ gain. Denver should play with some fire here and Nikola Jokic’s passing could discombobulate San Antonio’s big man defense. 

Friday

Timberwolves at Wizards, 7 p.m.: A challenge game for both teams, especially since the Wizards do not have an obvious defender for Karl-Anthony Towns. Otto Porter having a big night at Andrew Wiggins’ expense would certainly add some attention to his strong season so far.

Heat at Lakers, 10:30 p.m.: An early game that could loom large in the lottery picture as these two teams feel destined to finish near each other in the final standings. The game itself could be fun too, particularly to see how the Lakers defend Goran Dragic’s drives. 

Clippers at Kings, 10:30 p.m.: DeMarcus Cousins and DeAndre Jordan battle in the interior while the perimeter players should have some fun matchups as well. Sacramento has a legitimate shot to be the team out of the pack for the 8-seed in the West and a win here firms up that case.

Saturday

Raptors at Bulls, 8 p.m.: The Rajon Rondo saga will likely still be in full swing here but the Bulls need to win games to keep this afloat. How these teams divvy up defensive assignments could be key and we could see some crossmatching when it comes to Jimmy Butler and DeMar DeRozan.

Nuggets at Thunder, 8 p.m.: Both teams’ third appearance on the list this week culminates in a fascinating weekend contest. Gary Harris guarding Russell Westbrook will be brutal and Jamal Murray could get a chance to shine against OKC’s second unit. 

Jazz at Timberwolves, 8 p.m.: Another matchup weakened by Tom Thibodeau playing Towns at power forward but still fun. Andrew Wiggins and Gordon Hayward will likely guard each other on both ends, which should be illuminating. 

Sunday

76ers at Nets, 12 p.m.: Beyond being the first game on an exciting staggered Sunday, this holds serious draft implications since these are currently the two worst teams in the league. Joel Embiid and Brook Lopez will each force the other to defend out to the three-point line, making this worth watching from a basketball perspective as well. 

Wizards at Bucks, 3:30 p.m.: Another earlier start game that could be fascinating considering these teams’ dramatically different strengths. Matthew Dellavedova will have to limit John Wall’s potency in the pick and roll but could make a major difference in the outcome. 

Rockets at Raptors, 6 p.m. (Game of the Week): A perfect sendoff to the week. Just plug in, forget to care about defense and enjoy the ride.