1. Steph is back!
For a myriad of reasons, Warriors fans likely won’t be in a big hurry to relive the 2019-20 season. Still, tonight will stand out as one of the moments they likely will reflect on as Stephen Curry is back after a 58-game absence to face to Toronto Raptors (10:30 pm ET, NBA League Pass). The Warriors’ pathway for the season seems more or less set, but the return of Curry and his dazzling shooting and dribbling skills some new intrigue to a Golden State season that has lacked that. The Raptors have reason to not take this one lightly, either, especially with Boston only 1 game behind Toronto in the chase for the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed.
2. Another George vs. Westbrook showdown
Juicy matchups of superstars have been the norm this week in the NBA and it shows no sign of letting up. The Clippers host the Rockets (8 pm ET, NBA League Pass) in another such showdown that will have LA’s Paul George and Kawhi Leonard taking on Houston’s Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Add in that Houston is 2 1/2 games behind the Clippers for No. 2 in the West (and 1-2 so far vs. LA this season) and there’s another level of intrigue to take note of. There’s a good chance these teams could square off come playoff time, so don’t miss out on this one tonight.
3. Can Kings keep on rolling?
The Pelicans, Blazers and Spurs are starting to falter in the chase for No. 8 in the West. The Grizzlies have gotten a better hold of that spot of late, but don’t sleep on the Kings making a serious push down the stretch. Sacramento is 6-1 since the All-Star break and has a soft schedule, too (48.3% opponent win percentage) that could help its cause. A home date with the Sixers is up next (10 pm ET, NBA League Pass) another Kings win would pull them ahead of Portland for the No. 9 spot.
