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 the 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.
De'Aaron Fox vs. Ja Morant
When: Thursday at 10:00 PM ET
De'Aaron Fox(2019-20 averages):19.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 7.0 assists
Ja Morant(2019-20 averages):17.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.1 assists
Key Storyline(s): Similar styles, Future of point guard position, High usage rates
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers
When: Friday 10:30 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Jaren Jackson Jr. vs. Anthony Davis, Grizzlies role players vs. Lakers role players
Key Storyline(s): Top-12 offenses, Potential playoff matchup, Top-5 assist teams
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Portland Trail Blazers
When: Friday 10:30 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Actual game, Jrue Holiday vs. Damian Lillard, Zion Williamson vs. Blazers
Key Storyline(s): Zion Williamson career-night followup, Battle for 8th seed, Two top-10 three-point shooting teams
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
When: Tuesday 8:00 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Actual game, Nikola Jokic vs. Steven Adams, Backcourts, Jokic vs. Chris Paul
Key Storyline(s): Michael Porter Jr., Potential playoff matchup, Two top-10 shooting teams, Offensive generals
Luka Dončic vs. Trae Young
When: Saturday 8:30 PM ET
Luka Dončic(2019-20 averages): 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists
Trae Young(2019-20 averages): 29.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists
Key Storyline(s): Two All-Star starters, Traded for each other, Future of the league
Devin Booker vs. Zach LaVine
When: Saturday 8:00 PM ET
Ben Simmons(2019-20 season averages): 26.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists
Zach LaVine(2019-20 season averages): 25.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists
Key Storyline(s): Better shooting guard, Underrated shooting guards, Future of position
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets
When: Thursday 8:00 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Actual game, Luka Dončic vs. Houston guards, Luka Dončic vs. Physical defense
Key Storyline(s): MVP candidates, potential playoff matchup, Similarities between Dončic and James Harden, Offense, Hero ball, Two top-3 offenses
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
When: Saturday 8:30 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Joel Embiid vs. Ben Simmons, Good coaching vs. Not-so-good coaching
Key Storyline(s): Potential Eastern Conference Finals, Playoff rematch, Statement win for Sixers, Two top-5 Defenses
Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz
When: Saturday 9:00 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Rockets backcourt vs. Donovan Mitchell, Small ball vs. Rudy Gobert
Key Storyline(s): Potential playoff matchup, Great previous matchup, Offense vs. Defense
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
When: Sunday 3:30 PM ET
Key Matchup(s): Young Celtics Wings vs. LeBron James, Brad Stevens vs. Frank Vogel
Key Storyline(s): Potential finals matchup, Two top-5 teams, Two top-5 defenses
When: Sunday 6:00 ET
Karl Anthony-Towns(2019-20 averages): 26.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists
Nikola Jokic(2019-20 averages): 20.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists
Key Storyline(s): Bad Team vs. Good Team or is one player making his team good?
Rest in Peace Kobe Bryant. 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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