As the NFL shifts from the regular season to the playoffs, the NBA begins to clarify the buyers and sellers as we head towards the trade deadline. Teams like the Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics have had interesting seasons so far but need to assess where they are going now and for the next few years.

Beyond that, this week will also show how some top teams will adapt to injuries to great players, including the Atlanta Hawks without Al Horford and the Oklahoma City Thunder sans Russell Westbrook.

Monday

Washington Wizards @ Detroit Pistons: On the first end of a home-and-home with a rest day, the Wizards won convincingly behind 20 points and 11 assists from John Wall. In Detroit, the Pistons will need to ride Andre Drummond and take advantage of Washington being without Bradley Beal.

Dallas Mavericks @ Minnesota Timberwolves: This game could end up being important since these two could be fighting for one playoff spot towards the end of the season. Kevin Love vs. Dirk Nowitzki headlines this one (as it should) but I am most looking forward to seeing if and how Minnesota defends Monta Ellis.

Charlotte Bobcats @ Utah Jazz: Each of these teams has been surprisingly spunky so far, so long as we whistle on by the horrendous start Utah had without Trey Burke. This game also marks Al Jefferson’s return to Salt Lake City and a duel with Derrick Favors, the guy he started in front of.

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Clippers: Eric Bledsoe returns to the Staples Center to battle Chris Paul and his old team. Bledsoe should be a brutal cover for CP3 so I fully expect to see Paul try to handle Goran Dragic as much as possible. Miles Plumlee has been a revelation and Most Improved Player candidate so far and will face a major test in DeAndre Jordan.

Tuesday

Atlanta Hawks @ Boston Celtics: This one lost some luster with Al Horford’s injury but should give us a pretty good indication if Atlanta can actually hold on as the third-best team in the East even without him. Boston has played shockingly well so far and will continue to need strong performances from Jared Sullinger to beat talented teams.

Portland Trail Blazers @ Oklahoma City Thunder (Game of the Week): Even without Russell Westbrook playing for Oklahoma City, Portland can still make a large statement by beating a Thunder team with only one home loss on the season. Serge Ibaka should do a better job defending LaMarcus Aldridge than he did last time while Oklahoma City’s swingmen will need to limit open looks since Portland will hit them.

Wednesday

New Orleans Pelicans @ Minnesota Timberwolves: The best two power forwards in the NBA today may end up holding those spots in some order for quite some time. Anthony Davis and Kevin Love excel at the same spot in incredibly different ways but each plays a pivotal role in any success their teams will have this year.

Thursday

Orlando Magic @ Cleveland Cavaliers: Victor Oladipo plays his first game against the team that passed on him at No. 1 to take Anthony Bennett. Adds a little panache to an already compelling matchup.

Golden State Warriors @ Miami Heat: Golden State got a huge upset over Miami last year that helped jumpstart their surprising postseason run and look to do the same after a somewhat disappointing start. LeBron James and the Heat should be playing their full team since they have days off on both sides.

Friday

Toronto Raptors @ Washington Wizards: As of this writing, Toronto has won seven of their last ten and played great basketball since they traded Rudy Gay to Sacramento. Washington has not been as hot but John Wall could create some problems for Toronto. Should be a fun one.

Golden State Warriors @ Atlanta Hawks: In the middle of a tough road trip, Golden State needs to show that they can win tough games against capable teams. Paul Millsap has been a tough cover for David Lee for years now while Jeff Teague can show his impact by playing Stephen Curry well.

Saturday

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Minnesota Timberwolves: Not completely sure if this will be a close game but it certainly will be worth keeping an eye on.