March Madness may be on the horizon, but don’t completely tune out of the NBA, which seems headed for a furious finish to its regular season.
Monday
Philadelphia @ Washington
The Sixers did that thing where they have a little lead and let it slip away during Friday’s loss to the Wizards in Philly. It was a pretty fun game though, and I’d expect the same on Monday. The main reason for that, however, is the fact that John Wall will probably muster up a masterful triple-double as Washington chases a playoff spot. Side note—Ish Smith has helped the 76ers avoid the worst-record in NBA history—but he needs to knock it off with all these mid-range jumpers. Opponents consistently give him space from beyond the arc and dare him to shoot, and perhaps there’s good reason for him not to be hoisting—but if he wants to keep a starting gig in the league for longer than this season, he needs to work on his trey.
Houston @ Milwaukee
If the Wizards blow out Philly early and there doesn’t seem like much hope of a turnaround, switch over to Rockets-Bucks to catch James Harden and Houston chase one of the final playoff spots up for grabs out West against a Milwaukee team playing with nothing to lose.
Tuesday
Brooklyn @ L.A.
Sixers and Celtics fans who like watching Steph Curry and company might want to flip over to to Nets-Lakers during timeouts of the Warriors game. The Nets have 17 wins and the Lakers have 11, with the Suns at 15 and Sixers at eight. There’s obviously a high likelihood that this order will remain the same by virtue of the fact that none of these teams is really capable of a winning streak. Still, the race for ping-pong balls always provides for comedic relief, especially in close games where a win could really be a loss.
Wednesday
L.A. @ Denver
Danilo Gallinari is likely out for quite a while with a sprained ankle, and that could allow the Lakers to compete in Kobe’s last game in Colorado. Kobe has a lot of memories there—both good and bad, but it’s likely the Pepsi Center is packed with more than just a pep of purple and gold on Wednesday.
Friday
Minnesota @ Milwaukee
The battle between the Wolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns and the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo is unmissable action even if they only matchup individually on switches. Sophomores Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker square off as well. The point guard battle is intriguing as well. Michael Carter-Williams is kind of like a poor man’s Ricky Rubio, though not as naturally unselfish. Obviously neither can shoot, but Rubio is above average at everything else while MCW is still trying to learn the ropes and become that guy who can get his teammates involved and orchestrate an offense.
Saturday
Utah @ New Orleans
New Orleans has been playing the role of spoiler exquisitely in the last month or so, and they face the Rockets and Jazz this week—both of whom are fighting for a playoff spot. Anthony Davis might miss the whole week, in which case the Jazz should be expected to win. Still, the Pelicans have proven capable of competing even without A.D., and chickens shall not be counted until they hatch.
Sunday
Portland @ Detroit
Portland projected to finish in the lottery, but looks like a near lock to make the playoffs after winning 13 of the last 15 games. Damian Lillard has been dominant to say the least. Nevertheless, this week (featuring four road games) will be the ultimate test. Meanwhile, the Pistons enter the week mere percentage points behind the sinking Chicago Bulls, but Detroit faces the Spurs Tuesday before having off until a weekend back-to-back set against the Knicks and Trail Blazers.
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