NBA Weekly Watch Guide: More Spurs-Thunder, Berlin Game, Return of ESPN Fridays
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA regular season, with teams crossing the 41-game mark, the Feb. 5 trade deadline looms, and the All-Star break is just one month away, fans and front offices alike are tuning in with heightened interest. The upcoming week features a strong lineup of national TV games, including a highly anticipated Western Conference showdown, a historic game in Berlin, and the return of ESPN's NBA Friday night broadcasts. Here's a breakdown of what viewers can expect in the coming days.
NBA National TV Watch Guide
Tuesday:
- San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder
Reason to watch: One of the best rivalries in basketball. Oklahoma City Thunder is atop the Western Conference and leads in defensive rating. San Antonio Spurs, second in the conference with the third-rated defense, has a 3-0 record against the defending champs this season.
- Round I: An intense semifinal game that ended the Thunder's 16-game win streak.
- Round II: The Spurs' dominant performance in San Antonio, featuring Victor Wembanyama and Keldon Johnson.
- Round III: A Christmas showcase in OKC, showcasing the next generation's skills reminiscent of '90s Shaq.
- NBC/Peacock: Available on the main NBC channel for Eastern, Central, and select Mountain markets, or on Peacock for those further west.
Tuesday (continued):
- Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors
Reason to watch: A clash of playing styles. Portland Blazers lead in drives per game and second-chance scoring, while Golden State Warriors top the league in made 3s and passes per game. Stephen Curry remains a highlight at 37 years old.
- NBC/Peacock: NBC for Western and select Mountain markets, Peacock for Eastern viewers.
Wednesday:
- Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers
Reason to watch: Two top-scoring guards, Tyrese Maxey and Donovan Mitchell, both with impressive shooting splits.
- Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks
Reason to watch: Denver's resilience despite Nikola Jokić's injury. Tim Hardaway Jr., Peyton Watson, and Jalen Pickett have shown determination.
Thursday:
- Memphis Grizzlies at Orlando Magic
Reason to watch: The NBA's inaugural regular-season game in Berlin, featuring the Wagners, Moritz and Franz, and the ongoing Ja Morant trade rumors.
- Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets
Reason to watch: A chance for OKC to reclaim dominance after a recent slump, and a rematch of the season opener.
Thursday (continued):
- New York Knicks at Golden State Warriors
Reason to watch: High-volume 3-point shooting from both teams.
Friday:
- Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers
Reason to watch: The sequel to a potential intriguing match, with potential heavy minutes for Joel Embiid.
- Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets
Reason to watch: Anthony Edwards' showdown with his 'favorite player of all time', Kevin Durant.
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