Splash Bros vs Zero G
Warriors vs Rockets: Feb.1, 9:00 AM on NBA League Pass
Despite the difference in positions at the standings (the Warriors are second, the Rockets 15th), it’s always a fun, competitive matchup when these two teams meet.
Perhaps it’s because the Dubs are entertained by how frenetic the Rockets play, and they always want to match their pace. Or maybe it’s watching Klay Thompson slowly start to round into form (18 points per game on 3.3 treys last week).
Expect another high-octane up-and-down contest between the Warriors and Rockets. Rookie Jalen Green may have had his struggles shooting from the field, but best believe he’s going to come out guns blazing against one of the best teams in the West.
East-West showdown
Nets vs Suns: Feb. 2, 11:00 AM on NBA TV Philippines via Smart GigaPlay app
This match will definitely lose some of its luster if James Harden (day-to-day) can’t go because of a hand injury. But if he’s available, this should be one of the best battles this season. With the Nets on the road, Kyrie Irving will be able to team up with the Beard to take on the dynamic duo of Chris Paul and Devin Booker.
Phoenix has looked like championship contenders during their ongoing 10-game winning streak, racking up wins in all sorts of ways, the latest being their come-from-behind win against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Nets have definitely struggled as of late with the absence of Kevin Durant due to knee injury. Four straight losses have put this team on a freefall in the Eastern Conference standings, sliding down to fifth place. But sleeping on this team is a dangerous prospect, and the Suns need to prepare for a tough battle to keep their streak alive.
Ja visits the Garden
Grizzlies vs Knicks: Feb. 3, 8:30 AM on NBA League Pass
It cannot be overstated just how incredible Ja Morant is. He is arguably the best show in the NBA right now. And because of that, he deserves to be seen on the greatest possible stage in the NBA.
Enter the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
It’s enticing to try and figure out what Ja is going to do in his lone appearance at the Garden this season. He’s already done a windmill dunk off a lob. Will he try to go between the legs this time? We’ve seen him do a chasedown block with two hands smacking the ball off the board. Can Ja do it again, and this time sneer in defiance at the Garden?
MSG will always be the place to be, and a rite of passage for all stars. Expect Morant to seize this opportunity.
Battle of All-Stars
Sixers vs Mavericks: Feb. 5, 11:00 AM on NBA TV Philippines via Smart GigaPlay app
The Process versus the Wonder Boy – two superstars leading their teams that are currently surging after slow starts.
Embiid has put together another MVP-caliber season. That in itself is not surprising, but achieving this without his backcourt partner Ben Simmons is what makes you double-check the box scores in awe. His averages of 29.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks are gaudy. His ability to play both ends of the floor is what makes him so incredible, and what should be keeping Coach Jason Kidd and perhaps Kristaps Porzingis up all night.
It should be a relief that the Mavericks have their own MVP candidate then. After a slow start, Doncic has come up big as of late, igniting the Mavericks out of the Play-In Tournament. A misstep against the Orlando Magic was a disappointment, but that doesn’t take away from their 7-3 record in their last 10 games.
Luka versus Embiid alone is worth the price of admission not only for their play, but also for their penchant to get into their opponents’ heads with their words and actions. These are two unselfish teams that also have role players capable of assisting their superstars so this should be a tight battle until the final buzzer sounds.
