A fun week of League Pass games features some intriguing non-conference matchups and potentially significant divisional contests, including Jusuf Nurkic’s return to Denver in the Game of the Week.

Monday

Suns at Bucks, 8 p.m.: Eric Bledsoe’s second game against his former team will not have the same atmosphere as the one in Phoenix, but it should still be worth watching, particularly since it should be a closer match without Giannis Antetokounmpo available.

Bulls at Pelicans, 8 p.m.: The first game between these two went to overtime and that was before Chicago got their reinforcements back from injury. Plus, Lauri Markkanen against Anthony Davis will be interesting and both Holiday brothers will be in action.

Wizards at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m.: Dallas beat Washington back in November and Dennis Smith dropped 22 points, 8 assists and 8 rebounds in the surprising win. The Wizards have more to play for but Dallas has been battling in close games all season.

Trail Blazers at Nuggets, 9 p.m. (Game of the Week): It took almost a year but this will be Jusuf Nurkic’s first game back in Denver. He left in contentious circumstances and both sides have some real stakes as they battle for a foothold before the trade deadline. 

Tuesday

Kings at Magic, 7 p.m.: It is too early for the tankathon to start so this should feature young teams trying to find their way. Sacramento has a slew of big men to try on Aaron Gordon and hope someone can slow him down consistently. 

Nets at Thunder, 8 p.m.: The Nets have won two games in a row, both against potential playoff teams, but face an even bigger challenge in the Thunder. D’Angelo Russell’s return adds another dimension here, especially because Brooklyn will need to defend on the perimeter to have a good chance.

Knicks at Warriors, 10:30 p.m.: The Knicks’ desire to play big creates some mismatches against the Warriors but they will need to avoid getting killed in transition. Try to watch any minutes Frank Ntilikina and Steph Curry share the court because the rookie has shown serious defensive potential but Curry is a different test.

Wednesday

Suns at Pacers, 7 p.m.: Defense will be optional here and the Pacers dropped 120 in Phoenix just over a week ago. Devin Booker can provide firepower too and the Suns will need it to secure a surprising road win.

Bulls at 76ers, 7 p.m.: A series of unusual matchups for these two young teams, including who guards both Lauri Markkanen and Ben Simmons. This will also be a good calibrator for how the Sixers will fare without JJ Redick’s shooting.

Timberwolves at Trail Blazers, 10 p.m.: Depending on which versions of these teams show up, this could be the most fun League Pass game of the week. Jimmy Butler and the Wolves have some of the most impressive wins this month but also lost road games in Brooklyn and Orlando. With a national TV game the next night in Oakland, will they deliver against the Blazers?

Thursday

Kings at Heat, 7:30 p.m.: It will be on TV and Hassan Whiteside started his career on the Kings.

Knicks at Nuggets, 9 p.m.: Depending on how Michael Malone approaches his big man rotation, we could see some Porzingis vs. Jokic, which would be fascinating. Outside of that, the Knicks’ guards will have their hands full with Jamal Murray and Gary Harris.

Friday

Pacers at Cavs, 7:30 p.m.: The Pacers have the chance to secure the four-game season sweep on the Cavs and the prospect of losing again to Indiana may coax a better defensive game out of Cleveland. Indiana still does not have anyone to defend LeBron so he may just propel the Cavs to a win in a shootout.

Nets at Bucks, 8 p.m.: Giannis should be back by the end of the week but Jason Kidd’s former team could challenge the Bucks by forcing them to take tough shots. Spencer Dinwiddie has been a revelation this year and should have a large role to play in the outcome.

76ers at Spurs, 8:30 p.m.: Even without Kawhi, there will be plenty to watch here as San Antonio’s two-big lineups match up against Joel Embiid. Dejounte Murray has apparently taken over the starting point guard spot for the Spurs so it will be worthwhile to see how the offense looks under his stewardship.

Saturday

Thunder at Pistons, 5 p.m.: Reggie Jackson’s absence takes away some of the former teammate drama (Kyle Singler does not count) but Andre Drummond and Steven Adams doing battle on the interior adds some intensity to this one. Also, Avery Bradley will probably have a few different assignments but his time on Russell Westbrook will be worth keeping an eye on.

Magic at Pacers, 7 p.m.: Victor Oladipo scored 26 points on his former team in November, an early indication of what has become a breakout season for him. The Magic have been more competitive since getting some of their players back and have the talent to challenge the Pacers, who will be on the tail end of a back-to-back.

Mavericks at Nuggets, 9 p.m.: Dallas staged a furious comeback but could not beat Denver last week and get another chance here. Jokic had 29 and 18 in the Denver win and should feast on Dallas’ frontcourt.

Sunday

Bucks at Bulls, 3:30 p.m.: Familiar Central division foes square off in a nice matinee on the first Sunday without NFL football of the season. Kris Dunn and Eric Bledsoe are two pit bulls capable of taking this game to another level in terms of intensity.

Clippers at Pelicans, 4 p.m.: Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan vs. Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins if everyone can be healthy. No further sales pitch needed.

Pistons at Cavs, 6 p.m.: These teams both look very different from their 2016 first round series but the Pistons have played the Cavs tough over the years and that should continue here.