It’s an exciting week in the NBA, with the first couple of weeks providing great story lines (Kings), breakout stars (Klay Thompson), and plenty of in-fighting and drama (Cavs).
Below is an exciting match up per day for this coming week that you should check out:
Monday, November 10th – Spurs at Clippers, 10:30 pm ET on NBATV
The Spurs, although reigning champs, seem to be slow to move into first-gear in the new season. While that’s no problem for their mindset and coach, they’ve only got so many games against the “best” in the league – and tonight represents a chance to show that they’re still the leaders of the pack. For the Clippers, they’re started slowly as well, so it’s similarly a chance to set the bar for the season.
Tuesday, November 11th – Spurs at Warriors, 10:30 pm ET on NBATV
A back to back for the Spurs has the potential to neuter this game if Pop decides to sit his stars. The Warriors, undefeated until Sunday night, have been the leading team so far this year, so to see them against the champs is must-see TV.
Wednesday, November 12th – Nets at Suns, 9:00 pm ET on NBA League Pass
The Nets come in with everyone healthy and their point guard holding the “Eastern Conference Player of the Week” title. The Suns counter with arguably the best back-court in the league, a three-guard set that has mystified several good teams so far this year. Throw in the youth and speed of the Suns versus the deliberate elder statesmen of the Nets and this should be an interesting contrast in styles.
Thursday, November 13th – Bulls at Raptors, 8:00 pm ET on TNT
The Bulls are the consensus 1st or 2nd pick for most in the Eastern Conference, and if Rose is healthy, they have legitimate title hopes. The Raptors are the up-and-coming team currently leading the East, featuring a youthful team that returned all of their stars from last year. This game, if everyone is healthy, will show us how serious the Raptors are – as they’ve so far avoided major competition.
Friday, November 14th – Heat at Hawks, 7:30 pm ET on NBA League Pass
The Heat lost the biggest free-agent of the summer, but have looked solid with Bosh returning to his Toronto stats, and Deng coming into his own. The Hawks, after a crazy summer, still have hopes of hanging on to a playoff spot. While not a huge matchup, the Hawks have a chance to stand up and show that they are more serious than people are currently giving them credit for.
Saturday, November 15th – Suns at Clippers, 10:30 pm ET on NBA League Pass
The Suns were the surprise of last season, exceeding all known expectations with 40+ wins. They face the Clippers who also love to run, but have one of the most talented (if not fully realized so far this year) front-courts in the league.
Sunday, November 16th – Rockets at Thunder, 7:00 pm ET on NBATV
The Rockets have been one of the most impressive teams so far, with Harden and Howard at career-high levels and the emergence of Trevor Ariza making Houston fans not miss Chandler Parsons nearly as much as expected. The Thunder have been a train-wreck of injuries and second-guessing but have somehow started to gel, and by this game MIGHT be together enough to challenge (or at least provide a good game).