The three NBA matches you MUST watch this week - and why
ALL-STAR WEEKEND is just over a month away - and as the mid-way point of the NBA season fast approaches each game becomes more important for the teams hoping to make the playoffs in April.
NBA: Paul Pierce defends Golden State's finals chances
The next seven days proves to be a very exciting week in the NBA with teams fighting for positioning within the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
In the Western Conference, the top two teams - the Warriors and Nuggets - are set to go head-to-head in a game that could have massive implications
Here are the three games that must be watched this week:
Nuggets vs Trailblazers - Sunday 13th January 2019
The Denver Nuggets play host to Damian Lillard’s Portland Trailblazers on Sunday.
The Nuggets currently sit top of the Western Conference with a 28-12 with Portland fourth. Both teams currently hold multi-game winning streaks.
Nikola Jokic has been the standout player for Denver averaging a double-double per game with 19.1points and 10.2 rebounds.
He will be hoping to keep that momentum going when he is matched up with Trailblazers big man Jusuf Nurkic.
Nuggets vs Warriors - Tuesday 15th January 2019
Steph Curry and the Golden State warriors take a trip to the Mile High City on Tuesday evening where the top two teams in the Western Conference collide.
The Warriors have overcome early-season struggles to take their usual spot amongst the best in the league. They currently sit one win behind the Nuggets.
A win for Golden State will test the resolve of the Nuggets who are attempting to prove themselves to be the real deal and win the ever-competitive Western Conference.
Pacers vs 76ers - Thursday 17th January 2019
Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers head to Indianna to take on the Pacers as both teams fight for position in the playoffs as the mid-way point of the season approaches.
All-Star Shooting Guard Victor Oladipo guard has been impressive since his return from injury and will come up against lockdown defender Jimmy Butler.
Joel Embiid will be up against Myles Turner should the latter make a return from his shoulder injury.
Having him back would be a major boost for Indiana as Embiid has been playing at an All-Star level all season.
Honorable Mention: Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks @ The O2 London - Thursday 17th January 2019