The first full week after the All-Star break and trade deadline always brings plenty of intrigue and the dynamics changed again with the news that Kyle Lowry will undergo surgery on his right wrist.

Even without Lowry, the Raptors/Wizards home-and-home takes center stage but there are quality contests almost every night of the week.

Monday

Raptors at Knicks, 7 p.m.: With Joakim Noah out for the season and Brandon Jennings waived, this will be a pretty solid look at what the Knicks will be like for the rest of the season. Also, it will be our first chance to see the Raptors after the news that Kyle Lowry will be out for a while after wrist surgery.

Hawks at Celtics, 7:30 p.m.: Al Horford faces his former team while the Celtics look to show why they did not need to make any deadline moves. Keep an eye on how Dennis Schroder fares against Isaiah Thomas on both ends and if the Celtics try to hide their star defensively. 

Heat at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m.: A story to watch this week is whether Miami can continue their momentum towards a potential playoff berth against inferior competition. The Mavericks clearly shifted towards focusing on their draft pick over the last week and this will be a test to see if Rick Carlisle and their remaining talent can still win games. 

Tuesday

Trail Blazers at Pistons, 7:30 p.m.: Two teams battling to stay in the playoff picture after disappointing seasons so far. Portland still needs to figure out their center rotation after trading away Mason Plumlee while the Pistons will need to defend Portland’s back court and generate offense. 

Nuggets at Bulls, 8 p.m.: After giving up Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott in a deal with him as the primary return, Cameron Payne will be a significant part of the intrigue in this game along with how Chicago defends Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. These teams made a big draft night trade in 2015 and only one of the three picks involved (Gary Harris) is still on either team.

Jazz at Thunder, 8 p.m.: A worthwhile test for both teams and also a good calibrator for Taj Gibson’s value to the Thunder considering Utah’s potent frontcourt.

Wednesday

Wizards at Raptors, 7:30 p.m. (Game of the Week): A significant game that shifted dramatically with Monday’s news about Kyle Lowry. Toronto will have the opportunity for a statement win while Washington can try to take advantage of their newfound advantage at point guard. 

Nuggets at Bucks, 8 p.m.: Even without Jabari Parker, this features two of the league’s more interesting young teams and the prospect of Thon Maker guarding Nikola Jokic makes this one even more fascinating.

Pistons at Pelicans, 8 p.m.: New Orleans’ new-look big man combination gets to face Andre Drummond and the Pistons. Jrue Holiday can also make a statement of his own against Reggie Jackson and Ish Smith as he approaches unrestricted free agency. 

Timberwolves at Jazz, 9 p.m.: Makes the list because of the possibility of Towns vs. Gobert. 

Thursday

Hornets at Suns, 9 p.m.: Eric Bledsoe and Kemba Walker doing battle will be fun. 

Friday

Raptors at Wizards, 7 p.m.: Just two days after they face off in Toronto, the Wizards can try to capitalize on Lowry’s absence. Center play could loom large as both Horford and Gortat will challenge each other.

Heat at Magic, 7 p.m.: The Magic finally giving Aaron Gordon time at power forward makes them a more compelling team to evaluate moving forward and Elfrid Payton can show his defensive chops against Goran Dragic.

Clippers at Bucks, 8 p.m.: With Chris Paul back in action, the Clippers are a more watchable and relevant team and a road game in Milwaukee could be fun. LA’s perimeter defense will come into focus as Giannis occupies such a large role in the Bucks’ offense. 

Saturday

Raptors at Bucks, 8 p.m.: Another challenge for the Bucks, this time against DeRozan and the Raptors. Toronto’s ability to defend ball-dominant small forwards could be important in the playoffs and this will be their first time doing so with new addition PJ Tucker on the court.

Cavs at Heat, 8 p.m.: This LeBron return game certainly does not have the sizzle of a few prior ones but this could be a first round playoff preview and is the first of two games between the teams.

Grizzlies at Rockets, 9 p.m.: Another relevant game between these two teams that still look reasonably likely to face one another in the first round. Newcomer Lou Wiliams will look to anchor an already strong Rockets bench against Memphis’ second unit.

Sunday

Pacers at Hawks, 1 p.m.: The Pacers kept Paul George at the deadline and now look to maximize the remainder of this season while Atlanta made a similar choice with impending free agent Paul Millsap. This will also be Jeff Teague’s first game back in Atlanta since they traded him over the summer.

Magic at Wizards, 5 p.m.: Another staggered Sunday game could be compelling as the Wizards look to shore up their seed. Both teams spent lavishly on second centers over the summer and will have to structure playing them with the holdovers when healthy, which hopefully will be the case here.

Pelicans at Lakers, 9:30 p.m.: The Lakers were a persistently rumored DeMarcus Cousins suitor for years and now he will play his first game in Staples Center as a member of a different team. This one probably will not stay close but could demonstrate the first in the Lakers’ young players.