Who’s your MVP?
Nuggets vs Sixers: Mar. 15, 7:30 AM on NBA League Pass
The MVP debate – that annual lightning rod of a talking point where everybody has a take on who should win it. It’s fun as it is competitive but also stressful if you really give it a thought. And what better way to push that conversation than a battle between the two frontrunners.
On one corner, you have Joel Embiid of the Sixers. He’s a throwback to the physicality and brute force of the league in the ‘90s and early ‘00s. Yet, he also has the finesse of today’s modern big man, shooting with ease and getting by defenses through cat-like quickness.
On the other corner, you have Denver’s Nikola Jokic. We have never seen a center handle the ball this way. Whether we talk about shooting, passing, and just the overall “Hey did you see what he just did?” factor, Jokic is in a class of his own. He makes everything look natural as though playing basketball is the easiest thing in the world.
The game between the Nuggets and Sixers shouldn’t dictate an entire season’s worth of MVP campaign from either player but it will definitely push the needle on the debate.
Luka vs KD
Mavericks vs Nets: Mar. 17, 7:30 AM on NBA TV Philippines via Smart GigaPlay and Cignal TV
It’s Luka Doncic versus Kevin Durant and maybe Ben Simmons? Or maybe even Kyrie Irving? Who knows, really? Simmons has no timetable on his return but you wouldn’t rule out a possible sudden return in the coming week.
With regards to Irving, there’s been a lot of rumbling lately about New York’s vaccine mandate. It was a bizarre sight in the Nets’ game last Monday when Irving was able to watch his teammates play in Barclays Center, but only as a fan sitting courtside. And after the game, Durant told the mayor to “figure out” the policy. Scoring 53 points and then calling out a mayor is certainly a flex. Because of all this hoopla, maybe Irving gets to play at home soon.
In any case, we still get Luka against KD. This is still the main dish and should be worth all the hype. But the other stuff with the possibility of Irving and Simmons? That just makes everything a little more exciting.
Can the Warriors shoot over the Celtics’ defense?
Celtics vs Warriors: Mar. 17, 10:00 AM on NBA League Pass
The Celtics’ transformation into a defensive juggernaut was a pleasant twist into this season. With the rise of several East teams like the Heat, Bulls, and Cavaliers, the guys in Beantown were pushed into the background. However, their sudden climb into one of the stingiest and most unforgiving defenses in the league has put them at the forefront heading into the playoffs. Not to mention, Jayson Tatum has upped his game the past month as well, displaying huge offensive performances to complement his team’s defense.
Boston’s rejuvenated defense will be put to the test against the ever-combustible Warriors. Even though the Bay Area team has been inconsistent as of late, the return of Draymond Green might solve all their woes on both ends. Green unlocks their offensive flow as the primary ballhandler, allowing Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to move more freely. At the same time, you know he will bring his own level of defensive intensity each time down the court. Plus, it’s been ages since Green and Thompson played on the court so that’s another thing to look forward to.
East showdown
Pistons vs Magic: Mar. 18, 7:00 AM on One Sports and NBA TV Philippines via Smart GigaPlay and Cignal TV
There’s only one scheduled game on Friday and it’s between the two bottom teams of the East. But don’t fret. Think of this as a way to get reintroduced to the Pistons and Magic if you haven’t been paying attention to them all season.
How’s Cade Cunningham’s rookie campaign? Isn’t Jerami Grant still with the Pistons? And there’s the Magic who have the overly confident Cole Anthony and the interesting rookie Franz Wagner. By the way, Markelle Fultz is back and we’re just glad he’s still doing his thing.
Bulls test league-leading Suns anew
Bulls vs Suns: Mar. 19, 10:00 AM on NBA League Pass
Chicago has lost some luster at the tail end of the season but a win over the Suns will be a significant confidence booster heading into the playoffs. The Bulls are good, but how good are they? How far are they in comparison to the Heat or the Sixers? A matchup against the team with the best record will be a litmus test for the Bulls. It helps that Alex Caruso is finally back in the lineup and Lonzo Ball’s recovery from a knee injury is right around the corner.
If you’re a Suns fan, you welcome all these challenges from elite-level opponents. You want the likes of the Bulls, the Heat, the Warriors, and all that. You want every conceivable test so that come playoff time, you’ll be more than ready to finally win it all.
