What a coincidence. The start of the new week in the NBA happens to be the start of the new year, too. 2023 was filled with plenty of memorable and watchable games, so let’s hope that 2024 will be even better.
Here are some of the thrilling games that are hard to miss in the new week.
January 1: Minnesota Timberwolves at New York Knicks
It is only fitting that the first game of the new year will be happening in Madison Square Garden. The Timberwolves will be welcoming the week with a visit to that famous arena in New York. Fans will get to see Anthony Edwards, who could be the face of the league in a few years, play against their beloved New York squad.
January 1 and 3: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers
Giannis Antetokounmpo played well the last time these teams faced each other. The last image everyone saw was that scene of Antetokounmpo running towards the tunnel to retrieve the game ball he wanted so desperately because he was going to treat it as a souvenir for dropping 64 points. Now, we get to see these teams play each other twice in a span of three days.
January 4: Milwaukee Bucks at San Antonio Spurs
Block party alert. A quick look at the best blockers in the league will make you realize that Brook Lopez and Victor Wembanyama are near the top of that list, so watching them play against each other is definitely one of the things to look out for. Fans in the arena better be on full alert, too, because a blocked ball could be heading their way.
January 4: Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors
These teams just met on Christmas Day and it was a game that coach Steve Kerr won’t forget. He famously complained about inconsistent foul calls and how Nikola Jokic went 18-for-18 from the free-throw line. Jokic only shot 4-for-12 from the field, but those trips to the free-throw line saved his game. Are the referees going to adjust their calls this time around?
January 7: Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers
Rivalry game coming soon. The Clippers lost the last time they met the Lakers, which had to sting a little bit. The Clippers had this 11-game winning streak against the Lakers but lost the chance to make it 12 in a row. Can the Clippers start a new streak? Having a long winning streak like that might not happen again, especially against the much-improved Lakers.
