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.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Key Matchups: Joel Embiid vs. Steven Adams, OKC guards vs. Philly guards/forwards/no position fits us, please make a trade, Trash talk between Chris Paul and Embiid
Key Storylines: Sixers on four-game losing streak, OKC on five-game winning streak, Embiid morale game, Brett Browns' last days
Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns
Key Matchups: Devin Booker vs. Buddy Hield, Monty Williams vs. Luke Walton, Ricky Rubio having a career year vs. De'Aaron Fox having a plateau year
Key Storylines: Sacramento 1-9 since De'Aaron Fox's return from injury, The difference between two mediocre teams
Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers
Key Matchups: Bam Adebayo vs. Domantas Sabonis, Heat vs. Pacers
Key Storylines: Potential playoff matchup, Three young gems at big man, The underrated teams out East, Two potential Coaches of the Year
Trae Young vs. James Harden
Key Matchups: Rockets Hall of Fame backcourt vs. Trae Young, Second-best offense vs. League-worst offense
Key Storylines: James Harden and Trae Young, Pace of play, Two teams that embrace hero ball
Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks
Key Matchups: Luka Donćic vs. Nuggets Core, Nuggets vs. Mavericks
Key Storylines: Two of the best offenses in the league, Non-USA superstars, Potential playoff matchup, Michael Porter Jr. hot streak,
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
Key Matchups: Top-5 player vs. Two Top-5 players, All-time great offensive player vs. Forth-best team defense, Rick Carlisle vs. Frank Vogel, Mavericks vs. Lakers
Key Storylines: Porzingis back?, MVP race, Luka Donćic getting LeBron treatment, Potential playoff matchup,
Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Key Matchups: Brandon Ingram vs. Celtics forwards, Lonzo Ball vs. Kemba Walker,
Key Storylines: Brandon Ingram's extension comments, Second-best East team and the Second-worst West team but they're both hot, Difference in paces, Celtics proven defense and the Pelicans recent display of defense
Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Key Matchups: Luka Donćic vs. Ben Simmons, Kristaps Porzingis vs. Joel Embiid, Brett Brown vs. Rick Carlisle
Key Storylines: Similar records but nearly opposite morale, Donćic being what everyone wants from Simmons, Brett Brown's last days
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Key Matchups: Clippers vs. Nuggets
Key Storylines: Playoff positioning, Potential playoff matchup, Three MVP-caliber players, Difference in cores, Michael Porter Jr.'s minutes, Does Jokic take over?
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