Highlighting the top individual and team matchups of the week, leading into more detailed articles later in the week.
My brother has this impressive Stuart Scott-like ability to make any basketball game seem interesting, regardless of the team's record, roster or any other factor.
That once-in-a-generation ability skipped my gene pool, but what I do have is a cheat sheet called Kobe Bryant's internet that allows me to find the most interesting matchups of the week and gather information on them.
With that information, for the remainder of the season, I'll announce what I view to be the most interesting games of every week, from clear marquee team matchups to glorified one on ones.
One of these emphasized matchups will result in a "Building a Franchise" series article, and if a team has more than one must-watch games, they will be the subject of that week's case study—a new film-based series of columns on specific NBA teams.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
When: Monday at 10 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Hornets backcourt vs. Trail Blazers backcourt, Team basketball vs. Hero ball
Key Storyline(s): Difference in two below-average teams, Hornets' slow pace, Effort
Phoenix Suns vs. Atlanta Hawks
When: Tuesday 7:30 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Devin Booker vs. Trae Young, John Collins vs. DeAndre Ayton, Lloyd Pierce vs. Monty Williams
Key Storyline(s): Pace of play, Bad defense, Difference in bad teams
Brooklyn Nets vs. Utah Jazz
When: Tuesday 7:30 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Kyrie Irving vs. Donovan Mitchell, Nets guards vs. Rudy Gobert
Key Storyline(s): Kyrie Irving's first test since return, Streaking Jazz team, Flailing Nets team
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets
When: Tuesday 8 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Ja Morant vs. Russell Westbrook and James Harden, Future vs. Present
Key Storyline(s): Fast pace, Two potential playoff teams, Focused Rockets
San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat
When: Wednesday 7:30 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Jimmy Butler vs. DeMar DeRozan, Bam Adebayo vs. LaMarcus Aldridge, Erik Spoelstra vs. Gregg Popovich,
Key Storyline(s): Two of the more unique teams in the NBA, Similar roster structures with different outcomes
Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks
When: Thursday 8 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Actual game, Mike Budenholzer vs. Brad Stevens
Key Storyline(s): Potential Eastern Conference Finals, Playoff rematch, Two top-5 defenses
Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
When: Saturday 3:30 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Lonzo Ball vs. Patrick Beverly, Brandon Ingram vs. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard
Key Storyline(s): Potential return of Zion*fingers crossed*, Both teams 6-4 over last 10, Two top-10 offenses and paces
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
When: Saturday 8:30 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): LeBron James vs. James Harden, Defense vs. Offense, Assists vs. Hero Ball
Key Storyline(s): MVP race, Potential Western Conference Finals, Anthony Davis return
Feel free to leave a comment for which games to focus on, and remember to subscribe so you don't miss out on the more detailed articles.
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