The All-Star break has come and gone. Most teams have less than 30 games remaining, and the finish line is starting to become visible.
Monday
Lakers vs Bucks
Greek freak Giannis Antetokounmpo has expressed his affinity for Kobe Bryant—who as you probably know grew up in Italy. This will be their final faceoff, and it’s the only matchup between bad basketball teams on Monday night.
It’s also about that time of year where everyone starts thinking about ping-pong balls. Since L.A. would convey its first-round pick to Philadelphia if it falls outside the top three, the Lakers’ second-to-last standing is precarious. As it stands, the Lakers have a 55.8 percent chance of keeping its pick. If L.A. can out-tank the Sixers down the stretch and claim the worst league’s worst record, that shoots up to 64.2 percent.
Tuesday
Sacramento vs. Denver
This matchup features some unique dynamics. Before last Friday’s contest in Sacramento, former Kings’ coach Mike Malone didn’t mince his words. George Karl returns to Pepsi Center for the second time since being hired by Sacramento last season. Like Malone, Karl has always been comfortable in his own skin. The Kings also take on the Nuggets in Denver on Apr. 2, so another rematch looms. I’m picking the home team in this one, but DeMarcus Cousins drops 50 and Rajon Rondo rips off another triple-double in the process. Take the over, folks.
Saturday
Minnesota vs. New Orleans
In the last game between these two teams, the Pelicans demolished the Timberwolves in Minneapolis. Even if it’s a similar result or the Wolves return the favor, every minute of Anthony Davis versus Karl-Anthony Towns needs to be cherished. Health willing, it’s safe to say this is going to be one of the best individual matchups in the NBA for at least the next decade.
Bryce Dejean-Jones and the Pelicans are persevering in the face of yet another injury-ravaged campaign. It’s highly unlikely that New Orleans becomes relevant again in the playoff conversation this year, but they have been playing better ball lately.
Sunday
Philadelphia vs. Orlando
The Sixers and Magic square off in Philadelphia on Tuesday, and Sunday’s showdown is the last matchup between two young squads. Athletically speaking, it doesn’t get much more exciting than Aaron Gordon versus Nerlens Noel at the four, and the battle between two defensively inept centers in Nikola Vucevic and Jahlil Okafor should lend itself to an intriguing back-and-forth of buckets.
*Lottery odds found at the always useful tankathon.com*
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