It’s a new week and that means a fresh slate of NBA games to enjoy as the 2014-15 regular season nears the end.
Every game counts for different reasons. Some teams are vying just to make the playoffs; others need more wins to ensure homecourt advantage; while still others would like to finish the season strong, despite being out of the playoff battle.
With the Knicks, Lakers, 76ers, Kings, and Timberwolves all grabbing upset wins recently, the play has truly picked up league-wide.
This week features a number of exciting matchups, including Goran Dragic facing his former teammates in Miami. Check out the top games to watch below.
Monday, March 2
Game of the night: Suns vs. Heat
Dragic demanded to be traded and put the Heat as one of the few teams he would confirm ahead of time that he'd re-sign with after this season. Phoenix also dealt Isaiah Thomas and brought in Brandon Knight, drastically altering the backcourt rotation and severely regressing afterward.
However, over the past few games it looks like Eric Bledsoe is starting to step into the role of new team leader, and Knight has been getting accustomed to his new teammates. The Heat, meanwhile, are trying to fit Dragic in with Dwyane Wade, Hassan Whiteside, and the rest of the team, but lost two tough games recently by two points each.
Both teams need every win they can get as they’re battling for one of the last playoff spots in their respective conferences. And Phoenix would surely like a win against Dragic, while he would certainly enjoy a win against the Suns if only to stick it to management.
Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. EST
TV Channels: NBA TV, Fox Sports Arizona, SUN Network
Another Good Game: Pelicans vs. Mavericks
New Orleans will try to continue its improbable run without three of its best players. Jrue Holiday has been out for weeks but the loss of both Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson prompted many to count the Pelicans out of the West playoff race. Alas, five straight wins have put them only 0.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the eighth spot.
The Mavericks have their own injuries, with starters Chandler Parsons and Tyson Chandler missing time. The Mavericks have lost two straight and are in danger of falling into seventh place if they lose too many more.
Dallas stayed pat at the trade deadline, although the team previously acquired Rajon Rondo for its starting point guard position. New Orleans snagged Quincy Pondexter as a key rotation piece and later got Norris Cole, who provides defense and playmaking at backup point.
Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. CST
TV Channels: League Pass, Fox Sports Southwest, Fox Sports New Orleans
