NBA recap: Injuries out West, DSJ available and Nets’ arrival

Upcoming games to watch

This week of games presents matchups between the top two teams in a conference, the two preseason favorites to represent the other conference in the NBA Finals and a matchup of petty superstars.

Golden State Warriors @ Denver Nuggets- Jan. 15

The two best teams in the Western Conference meet in the Mile High City with first place in the conference on the line. The Golden State Warriors lost their first matchup in Denver, 100-98, and it will be interesting to see if this game has a playoff intensity to it. Eye-catching stars all around and trash talking between Draymond Green and Jamal Murray makes this the game of the week.

Toronto Raptors @ Boston Celtics- Jan. 16

This matchup will appear here every time it’s on the schedule. The Toronto Raptors continue their march through the Eastern Conference and are getting back to full speed with Kyle Lowry back. Shift focus to Boston and things couldn’t be more different. The Celtics have lost three games in a row and are starting to give some interesting quotes in postgame media sessions. A win over the Raptors would be a good start in turning things around.

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Philadelphia 76ers- Jan. 19

Star power? Check. Two physical teams? Check. Two petty superstars that have a history of engaging in trash talking? Check. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers are each top-four seeds with plenty of questions to answer and this Saturday matinee is a good bar to see where they stand at this point of the season.