NBA recap: Pelicans’ next move, All-Star reserves and more

Upcoming games to watch

This week has the best slate of games to date in the regular season. High-profile teams matchup on every night, with some nights boasting multiple must-see contests.

Atlanta Hawks @ Sacramento Kings — Jan. 30

We start with a pair of young teams that have surprised many around the NBA with their play. The Atlanta Hawks are 10-10 in their last 20 games, which is impressive given they’re playing mostly young players. The Sacramento Kings lingering in the postseason race for this long remains one of the best stories of the season. Trae Young and De’Aaron Fox are polar opposites in play style, yet are wildly entertaining and effective in their own ways.

Utah Jazz @ Portland Trail Blazers — Jan. 30

Donovan Mitchell vs. Damian Lillard in the Moda Center is must-see TV.

Milwaukee Bucks @ Toronto Raptors — Jan. 31
Philadelphia 76ers @ Golden State Warriors — Jan. 31

This doubleheader on TNT is the best of the season. The two best teams in the East play for the third time with each team winning once. This is the final matchup between them this season, and it could ultimately decide who has home-court throughout the playoffs, if it comes down to a tiebreaker.

The nightcap is awesome. Characters all over the court, a potential NBA Finals matchup if the Philadelphia 76ers figure out the Jimmy Butler fit and the Golden State Warriors back to running through the NBA one city at a time.

Los Angeles Lakers @ Golden State Warriors — Feb. 2

The season series is tied at one game apiece and the Warriors are finding their form. LeBron James should be back from injury and who knows what the Los Angeles Lakers will look like by Saturday, given their place in the Anthony Davis sweepstakes. Regardless, LeBron against the Warriors is the NBA’s marquee matchup anytime they face off.

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Boston Celtics — Feb. 3

This final matchup features two physical teams with stars across the board. Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart vs. Russell Westbrook. Paul George vs. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Steven Adams vs. Aron Baynes in a Down Under, New Zealand vs. Australia battle in the paint. This is a nice prequel to the Super Bowl on Sunday.