It is not an exaggeration to say that this year’s race to the postseason is the most exciting one in the last few years. It will be intriguing to watch the teams go up and down the standings in the next four weeks. The contest is so tight right now that losing two games in a row will feel like a five-game losing streak.
Here are some upcoming games to pique your excitement.
March 13: Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors
The return of Kevin Durant to the Bay Area would have been the news of the day. We all know this would have been the game of the week if he did not suffer that ankle sprain during a pregame warmup. At least we still get Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson going against Chris Paul and Devin Booker. A win by Phoenix would mean a 4-0 season sweep against the Warriors.
March 14: Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
A must-win for the Lakers to make sure that the Pelicans will stay beneath them in the standings. This week will also see the Lakers play the Houston Rockets and the Orlando Magic. These are winnable games, so the Lakers must capitalize on a relatively easy schedule. If they win three out of their four games this week, the team will be re-energized.
March 14: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Phoenix Suns
These teams met around two weeks ago and it was a nail-biter even without Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. There were multiple lead changes and the referees let both teams play in a physical manner. Expect a playoff-caliber type of game again, even if it is just a battle between each team’s supporting cast. The Bucks will have to work extra hard since they are the visiting team.
March 17: Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
These teams have faced each other three times already this season and all games were decided by an average of five to six points. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are still figuring things out as teammates for the Mavericks. The same can be said for the revitalized Lakers. Now, it is time to put their new lineups to the test again.
March 18ton Celtics vs. Utah Jazz
This is the first meeting between Jazz (and former longtime Celtics) executive Danny Ainge and his old team this season. Fans thought that the Jazz wouldn’t be competitive this year, but they were turned heads in the first few months. Fans also thought that the Celtics would have a hard time with a new coach. Instead, they are one of the East’s best squads. Ainge had a hand in how both teams were built and now he gets to see them fight.
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