HOW TO WATCH NBA GAMES THROUGH MARCH 6
As we head into march, a pressing question presents itself to writers who cover the NBA : when are we allowed to break out the cliches? Like, are we allowed to start talking about the season heading into the ‘stretch run’ yet? Can we start using the term ‘nitty gritty’ yet? How about ‘this is where the rubber hits the road’? These terms are the lifeblood of those of us tasked with stirring up additional excitement as the season rolls into its final two months and I absolutely relish getting used to them indiscriminately whenever I get the chance. Oh, hang on…I’m getting some information in my earpiece here…apparently it is still too early to employ those lazy analogies. According to the Writers’ Creed ™, we are not allowed to do that until mid-March at the earliest, so just pretend you didn’t read the beginning of this paragraph. Nothing to see there.
Well, then – whatever time of season we call this, there are still some nationally televised games this week that should grab your attention whether you’re looking to lay some bets or you’re just a fan who enjoys good hoops. It starts right away on Monday night as the Hornets come into Milwaukee. I realize the Bucks are the defending champs and a playoff lock and that Charlotte…is not, but this could be an absolute shootout. Both teams are among the fastest paced in the NBA and while the game film probably won’t end up being used as a teaching tool for defensive execution, who cares? It will be entertaining. That’s why you have a television, isn’t it? Would you rather watch a game that has a final score of 84-77?
Later in the week, TNT has a really interesting inter-conference matchup on Thursday night when the Grizzlies roll into TD Garden to take on the Celtics. Memphis is currently holding down third place in the Western Conference and are the NBA’s second-highest scoring team while Boston is a top-five defensive team that has rescued their season by winning 13 of their last 16 and are now right on Philadelphia’s tail in the fight for first place in the Atlantic Division. Friday’s early ESPN game has a huge Central Division clash between Chicago and Milwaukee, then Sunday we get four nationally broadcast games including Brooklyn trying to save their season in Boston, a rematch of last year’s finals as Phoenix goes to Milwaukee (the Bucks have a big week ahead, no?) and then in the evening the wounded Raptors will try to get back on track against a very good Cavaliers team in Cleveland on ESPN.
Remember – I’ve only listed the national games below. Your local teams will be shown on your local broadcasters, of course – and there are some good games this week that will only be seen locally – so check your listings to see how you can follow them down the stretch. Ooops…sorry…I’m not supposed to say that yet. Soon, though. Soon.
MONDAY FEBRUARY 28
Charlotte @ Milwaukee 8 pm NBA TV
TUESDAY MARCH 1
Atlanta @ Boston 7:30 pm TNT
Dallas @ LA Lakers 10 pm TNT
WEDNESDAY MARCH 2
New York @ Philadelphia 7:30 pm ESPN
Portland @ Phoenix 10 pm ESPN
THURSDAY MARCH 3
Memphis @ Boston 7:30 pm TNT
LA Lakers @ LA Clippers 10 pm TNT
FRIDAY MARCH 4
Milwaukee @ Chicago 7:30 pm ESPN
New York @ Phoenix 10 pm ESPN
SATURDAY MARCH 5
Golden State @ LA Lakers 8:30 pm ABC
SUNDAY MARCH 6
Brooklyn @ Boston 1 pm ABC
Phoenix @ Milwaukee 3:30 pm ABC
Toronto @ Cleveland 7:30 pm ESPN
New York @ LA Clippers 10 pm ESPN
