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Upcoming games to watch

This week features Goliaths colliding in both conferences, including a pair of rivals taking their turns at the defending champs.

Golden State Warriors @ Houston Rockets — March 13

The Western Conference’s best two teams (right now, at least) meet in Houston with the Houston Rockets playing their best basketball of the season. The Golden State Warriors rarely hype up regular season games, but Stephen Curry’s comments about this matchup followed by a Mike D’Antoni jab back in his postgame press conference on Mar. 11 should bring a playoff vibe to the game.

Sacramento Kings @ Boston Celtics — March 14

Weekly shout out to the Sacramento Kings.

Golden State Warriors @ Oklahoma City Thunder — March 16

I try to avoid using one team twice in one week, but Golden State going on the road to face two of their biggest threats in the Western Conference in the span of 72 hours is an extreme set of circumstances. Both teams amp up the energy for this matchup, and Oklahoma City always has something to say to Kevin Durant.

Philadelphia 76ers @ Milwaukee Bucks — March 17

This game, a potential Eastern Conference playoffs series, provides a perfect preview to how these teams will match up if they square off in the postseason. These are two of the longest teams in the NBA and boast unique superstars that may spend time matching up on each other. With Joel Embiid back, the Philadelphia 76ers could be duplicating last season’s end-of-year push.