With almost every NBA game available to watch on NBA League Pass, here’s some help to find the best of the best for Oct. 31-Nov. 6.
While many of the NBA’s high-profile matchups are snatched up to air on TNT, ESPN or NBA TV, NBA League Pass is there to provide access to games that may not be in big letters on the marquee, but are definitely worth a watch.
Here are the best games available on NBA League Pass this week, Monday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Nov. 6:
Monday
Sacramento at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.: Of the four games going on, this is the obvious choice. Demarcus Cousins is must see TV anytime he’s on the court, even without him flipping his mouth guard into the stands this past weekend following a technical foul.
He’ll get plenty of fits from the criminally underrated Paul Millsap in the post, making for an interesting matchup while you’re handing out candy all night.
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The Dennis Schroder–Ty Lawson matchup should be a fun one, too. Schroder is unabashedly fearless and has the ability to give opponents fits anytime he’s handling the ball.
Lawson, on the other hand, is trying to redeem himself after a disastrous 2015-16 season and getting a chance to feed Cousins and other perimeter players like Rudy Gay and Ben McLemore may be just what he needs.
Tuesday
Memphis at Minnesota, 8:00 p.m.: Despite their records, this is a sneaky-fun matchup on what’s normally the dullest sports night of the week.
Coming into the game, the Grizz and the Wolves are No. 6 and No. 7 in offensive efficiency respectively, and the Karl-Anthony Towns/Zach LaVine/ Andrew Wiggins trio is fun enough to watch.
When Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are healthy, their chemistry in working Memphis’ offense is something enticing for the basketball purist.
Although, no one would have thought Andrew Wiggins would be the guy scoring all the points for Minnesota at this point. He’s stating to look more and more like the all-star he was supposed to be when he dawned the nickname: “Maple Jordan”.
Wiggins’ progression as the true second option on that team is something to keep an eye on.
Wednesday
Houston at New York, 7:30 p.m.: The Mike D’Antoni Rockets have the potential to be on this list every week going out until the end of the season.
James Harden‘s going to stuff stat sheets like Julia Child stuffs cream in chicken, not to mention his supporting cast is looking far superior to what is was last year — specifically Eric Gordon.
The Knicks “super team” doesn’t look great through two games, but Kristaps Porzingis is fascinating to watch either way.
Carmelo Anthony is always a good reason to turn in to a Knicks game too. Aside from his lack of success in the postseason, I’ve never thought Melo gets enough credit for how great a player he is. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more complete scorer in the league.
Three-pointers, mid-range, face-up, post-up, driving to the basket and you name anything else, Melo has it in his arsenal.
Thursday
Indiana at Milwaukee, 8:00 p.m.: Thursday as a whole doesn’t have a lot to offer. The better games are on TNT’s doubleheader, which leaves us with the Pacers and the Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is amazing to watch just from a human anatomy standpoint, as in, “How does a man that lanky move like that?” It’s like watching a young Kevin Durant move up and down the court, and he’s playing like a young KD, too–averaging 26-10-4 in two games.
Giannis is the a part of this amazing next generation of NBA players like Porzingis, Towns and Anthony Davis. These freaky tall, do-it-all players who just 10 years ago seemed like they only existed in basketball laboratories are now the future of the NBA.
My point? The Bucks are worth your time most days of the week.
Friday
San Antonio at Utah, 9:00 p.m.: Can’t figure out what to do on Friday night? Forget expensive covers at your local bar; go buy a case with your buddies and get your weekly dose of Spurs. San Antonio’s offseason “demise” has clearly been exaggerated.
Kawhi Leonard is one of the best players on earth, and he gets to tango with a Utah squad that — believe it or not — is getting its best contributions from George Hill and Joe Johnson early this season.
Gordon Hayward being hurt will help with that, and the minute he gets healthy the Jazz will instantly become more watchable. But that doesn’t excuse the other young guns like Trey Lyles and Dante Exum not showing up much this early season.
The progression of those two players is another tidbit to keep your eye on this season.
Saturday
Chicago at Indiana, 7:00 p.m.: Through two games who would have thought Chicago would have led the league in offensive rating? It turns out the Dwyane Wade/Rajon Rondo/Jimmy Butler combo backcourt may not be a mess after all.
Add in the always entertaining Paul George and a possible All-Star in sophomore Myles Turner and this game is definitely worth your time Saturday night, barring a hot date of course.
Although, if missing this game is too much to bear — might I suggest cooking for your hot date so you don’t miss out?
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Throw together a nice pasta dinner with a properly paired wine, then throw on Bulls/Pacers with no volume and introduce your date to the wonders of seeing Dwyane Wade in a Bulls uniform.
Sunday
Denver at Boston, 7:30 p.m.: Let’s face it: Sunday night football has not been great this year. And this Sunday the showcase are the Broncos and the Raiders … yawn. Instead, opt for a better watch with two spry young teams who like to move fast.
Isaiah Thomas impossible to take your eyes off of. while Denver looks good enough to sneak into the playoffs in the West, powered by a roster of young exciting pieces like Nikola Jokic.
The Thomas/Avery Bradley/Jae Crowder combo is the best buy in the league, meaning their contracts are incredibly affordable and they are all very good players.
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The question looming over the Celtics is: do they keep hanging all to those affordable assets or do they finally pull the trigger to trade some of those guys for a superstar?